Eddie Bauer Stores Across California to Close After Bankruptcy Auction Fails

Gift cards and loyalty points will expire this week as the outerwear brand shifts focus to e-commerce.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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All Eddie Bauer stores in California are expected to close permanently after the company's retail operations failed to find a qualified bidder in a bankruptcy auction. The outdoor retailer had 13 locations across the state, but store associates say they don't know the exact closure dates. California law typically prohibits gift card expiration, but Eddie Bauer gift cards and loyalty points will be invalid after Thursday.

Why it matters

The closure of Eddie Bauer's California stores is the latest example of the ongoing struggles facing the retail industry, with major chains like Claire's and Francesca's also recently filing for bankruptcy and shuttering locations. The shift to e-commerce and changing consumer habits have made it increasingly difficult for traditional brick-and-mortar stores to remain viable.

The details

Eddie Bauer LLC filed for bankruptcy in February, and at the time it was possible the stores would stay open under new ownership if a buyer was found. However, the company was unable to find a qualified bidder in the bankruptcy auction. While the Eddie Bauer brand may live on through e-commerce and a partnership with Outdoor 5 to focus on the company's 'elite performance line', all of its physical retail locations in California are expected to close permanently.

  • Eddie Bauer filed for bankruptcy in February 2026.
  • The company's retail operations failed to find a qualified bidder in the bankruptcy auction.
  • All Eddie Bauer gift cards and loyalty points will be invalid after Thursday, March 12, 2026.

The players

Eddie Bauer LLC

The company that operates the Eddie Bauer retail stores, which filed for bankruptcy in February 2026.

Authentic Brands Group

The company that owns the Eddie Bauer intellectual property and announced it would focus on the brand's 'elite performance line' through a partnership with Outdoor 5.

Outdoor 5

A licensing partner that will work with Authentic Brands Group to spotlight Eddie Bauer's 'quality, functionality, and outdoor innovation' through the brand's 'elite performance line'.

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What they’re saying

“In partnership with Outdoor 5, we are excited to put a spotlight on the brand pillars that have always defined Eddie Bauer: quality, functionality, and outdoor innovation.”

— David Brooks, Vice President, Authentic Brands Group (Press Release)

What’s next

The judge overseeing Eddie Bauer's bankruptcy case will determine the exact timeline for the closure of all the company's California retail locations in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

The demise of Eddie Bauer's California stores is a stark reminder of the challenges facing traditional brick-and-mortar retailers in the face of evolving consumer preferences and the rise of e-commerce. While the brand may continue on through digital channels, the closure of these physical locations represents a significant loss for the state's outdoor enthusiasts and loyal customers.