Eddie Bauer, a premier American outdoor recreation brand and retailer founded in 1920, may soon be exiting the brick-and-mortar business. According to sources familiar with the brand, the specialty store chain is prepping a Chapter 11 filling to shutter its approximately 200 North American stores.
The news comes after Authentic Brands Group announced in January that it would transition the licenses for Eddie Bauer’s manufacturing, e-comm and wholesale operations in the United States and Canada from Catalyst to Outdoor 5, a global brand development and licensing platform, on Feb. 2.
And while retail stores across the United States and Canada continue to operate under a license with Catalyst, sources noted a bankruptcy filing is expected to happen later in the month.
Well known for high-quality outerwear, footwear, and gear designed for hiking, camping, and casual, active lifestyles, Eddie Bauer has a rich history of outfitting everyday explorers and is credited with innovating the first quilted down jacket (the Skyliner) in 1936.
The company has changed hands several times over the years and the Eddie Bauer name has been used to license a range of products, including furniture, bicycles and Ford Motor Co.’s Bronco, Explorer and other SUVs.
Store operations are owned by Catalyst Brands under license from brand owner Authentic Brands Group.
According to sources, a bankruptcy filing would not impact the company’s manufacturing, e-commerce and wholesale operations in the United States and Canada, which is in the midst of transitioning from Catalyst to a new licensee. Nor would it impact retail operations outside the United States and Canada.