Overview
- Sources say a Catalyst Brands entity is readying a Chapter 11 filing that could shutter Eddie Bauer’s U.S. and Canada stores, with roughly 180 locations at risk.
- Store-level signs point to a wind-down, with liquidation sales reported and employees at some sites confirming closures as others remain open for now.
- Authentic Brands Group has shifted Eddie Bauer’s North American e-commerce, wholesale, design and product development to Outdoor 5, preserving the brand’s digital and wholesale channels.
- The potential filing would not cover manufacturing, online sales or international retail, and Japan’s approximately 20 stores are expected to stay open.
- Interested buyers are circling parts of the store fleet for bids in bankruptcy, and a sale could allow some stores to continue under new operators as the brand faces a third trip to Chapter 11 after 2003 and 2009.