Iconic Outdoor Retailer Eddie Bauer Files for Bankruptcy

The 100-year-old brand cites declining sales and industry headwinds as it seeks to restructure operations.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Eddie Bauer LLC, the operator of roughly 180 Eddie Bauer stores across the U.S. and Canada, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The company blamed declining sales and a litany of other industry challenges, including increased costs, tariff uncertainty, and an inability to keep up with more modern outdoor brands. The bankruptcy filing marks the third time in just over two decades for the storied brand, which was founded in 1920 as a Seattle fishing shop.

Why it matters

Eddie Bauer's bankruptcy filing reflects the broader struggles facing traditional brick-and-mortar retailers, especially in the outdoor apparel and gear sector, as they contend with shifting consumer preferences, supply chain issues, and competition from newer, trendier brands. The company's decline also highlights the challenges of maintaining relevance for heritage brands that have failed to adapt to changing market dynamics.

The details

As part of the bankruptcy proceedings, most Eddie Bauer retail and outlet stores in the U.S. and Canada will remain open as the company winds down certain locations. The company said it will conduct a court-supervised sales process, and if a sale cannot be executed, it will begin a wind-down of its U.S. and Canadian operations. Eddie Bauer's stores outside of the U.S. and Canada, which are operated by other licensees, are not included in the Chapter 11 filings and will stay open.

  • Eddie Bauer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on February 10, 2026.
  • The company made the filing in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey.

The players

Eddie Bauer LLC

The operator of roughly 180 Eddie Bauer stores across the U.S. and Canada.

Marc Rosen

CEO of Catalyst Brands, which maintains the license to operate Eddie Bauer stores in the U.S. and Canada.

Authentic Brands Group

The company that continues to own the intellectual property associated with the Eddie Bauer brand and may license the brand to other operators.

Outdoor 5, LLC

The company that operates Eddie Bauer's e-commerce and wholesale operations, which are not impacted by the bankruptcy filing.

Eddie Bauer

The founder of the company, who started the business in 1920 as a Seattle fishing shop.

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What’s next

The judge in the bankruptcy case will decide on the company's restructuring plan and potential sale of the business.

The takeaway

Eddie Bauer's bankruptcy filing underscores the challenges facing traditional retail brands as they struggle to adapt to changing consumer preferences, supply chain disruptions, and competition from newer, more innovative outdoor apparel and gear companies. The company's decline serves as a cautionary tale for heritage brands that fail to evolve with the times.