Eddie Bauer Faces Potential Store Closures as Bankruptcy Looms

The iconic outdoor apparel brand has a storied history, from outfitting the first American Everest ascent to a long partnership with Ford.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Eddie Bauer, one of the oldest brands in American outdoor apparel, is facing potential closures of most of its stores as bankruptcy looms. The brand, known for its durable and innovative gear designed for extreme conditions, has a rich history that includes outfitting elite climbing teams, a long partnership with Ford, and environmental advocacy. However, the company has previously filed for bankruptcy twice, in 2003 and 2009, and is now owned by Authentic Brands Group and Catalyst Brands.

Why it matters

The potential closure of Eddie Bauer stores would mark the end of an era for a brand that has been a fixture in the outdoor apparel industry for decades. The brand's struggles highlight the challenges facing traditional retail in the face of changing consumer preferences and the rise of e-commerce.

The details

Eddie Bauer, the late founder of the brand, patented the iconic water-resistant, bomber-style "Skyliner" jacket in 1940 after a near-fatal experience with hypothermia during a winter fishing trip. Over the years, the brand cemented its place in the outdoor apparel industry through durable, innovative gear and clothing designed to withstand extreme conditions. Eddie Bauer outfitted the first American ascent of Mount Everest in 1963 and has long been used by adventurers. The brand was owned by General Mills from 1971 to 1988, during which time it expanded to about 60 stores. Eddie Bauer also had a longtime partnership with Ford Motor Company, with models like the Ford Explorer, Expedition, and F-150 featuring Eddie Bauer trim branding and upgrades.

  • Eddie Bauer patented the "Skyliner" jacket in 1940.
  • In 1953, Bauer created his first mountaineering parka for the American team attempting the first ascent of K2 mountain in Pakistan.
  • In 1963, the first American team reached the summit of Mount Everest while outfitted in Eddie Bauer gear.
  • General Mills owned Eddie Bauer from 1971 to 1988.
  • The Eddie Bauer-Ford partnership lasted for nearly three decades, starting in the early 1980s.

The players

Eddie Bauer

An outdoorsman and businessman who patented the iconic water-resistant, bomber-style "Skyliner" jacket in 1940 and founded the outdoor apparel brand that bears his name.

General Mills Inc.

A cereal maker and food conglomerate that owned the Eddie Bauer brand from 1971 to 1988, during which time it expanded the brand to about 60 stores.

Ford Motor Company

The automaker that partnered with Eddie Bauer for nearly three decades, featuring the brand's trim branding and upgrades on models like the Ford Explorer, Expedition, and F-150.

Authentic Brands Group

The company that acquired the Eddie Bauer brand in 2021, in partnership with Catalyst Brands (formerly SPARC Group).

Catalyst Brands

The company that acquired the Eddie Bauer brand in 2021, in partnership with Authentic Brands Group.

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What they’re saying

“I was climbing a very steep hill when I started to get sleepy. I reached to touch my back and it was ice. I realized I was freezing to death.”

— Eddie Bauer (The New York Times)

The takeaway

The potential closure of Eddie Bauer stores would mark the end of an iconic brand that has been a fixture in the outdoor apparel industry for decades. The brand's struggles highlight the challenges facing traditional retail in the face of changing consumer preferences and the rise of e-commerce, but its rich history and innovative products have left a lasting impact on the industry.