Iconic Clothing Retailer Eddie Bauer to Close All New York Stores After 106 Years

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After over a century in business, the popular clothing retailer Eddie Bauer is closing all of its 200 brick-and-mortar stores across the United States and Canada, including multiple locations throughout New York, as part of a bankruptcy filing. The company cites general retail struggles, high costs, and declining foot traffic as the reasons behind the decision to shift to an all-digital, e-commerce and wholesale-focused model.

Why it matters

Eddie Bauer's closure marks the end of an era for the iconic American clothing brand, which has been a fixture in New York retail for over a century. The move reflects broader challenges facing traditional brick-and-mortar retailers as consumer shopping habits continue to shift online, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The loss of these stores will impact local communities and economies that have long relied on the brand's presence.

The details

Several Eddie Bauer locations in New York have already permanently closed, including stores in Deer Park, Johnson City, Niagara Falls, Saratoga Springs, and New York City. The remaining stores in Cheektowaga, Colonie, Lake George, Riverhead, Syracuse, Victor, and Waterloo are expected to shutter soon as the company prepares to file for bankruptcy and transition to an all-digital model.

• Eddie Bauer opened its first store in 1920.
• The company has filed for bankruptcy twice before in its 106-year history.
• Multiple New York locations have already permanently closed as of February 3, 2026.

What’s next

The company intends to focus on e-commerce and wholesale operations as it transitions away from its brick-and-mortar retail footprint.