Eddie Bauer Files for Bankruptcy, NYC Nurses Reach Deal to End Strike

Storied outdoor retailer cites declining sales and industry headwinds, while nurses at two major NYC hospitals agree to new contracts

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The operator of roughly 180 Eddie Bauer stores across the U.S. and Canada has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, citing declining sales and industry challenges. Meanwhile, nurses in New York City have reached a tentative agreement with two major hospital systems to end a nearly monthlong strike over staffing levels, workplace safety, health insurance, and other issues.

Why it matters

Eddie Bauer's bankruptcy filing marks the third time in just over 20 years the storied outdoor brand has sought court protection, underscoring the ongoing struggles of traditional retail in the face of e-commerce and changing consumer preferences. The nurses' strike in New York City also highlights the broader tensions in the healthcare industry around staffing, working conditions, and compensation.

The details

Eddie Bauer LLC said it had entered into a restructuring pact with its secured lenders as it made the bankruptcy filing in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey. Most Eddie Bauer retail and outlet stores in the U.S. and Canada will remain open as the company winds down certain locations, and it will conduct a court-supervised sales process. If a sale can't be executed, it will begin a wind-down of its U.S. and Canadian operations. The tentative agreement reached by the nurses' union involves the Montefiore and Mount Sinai hospital systems in New York City. Nurses remain on strike at NewYork Presbyterian. Union members at Montefiore and Mount Sinai will vote this week on whether to ratify the contracts and return to work.

  • Eddie Bauer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on February 9, 2026.
  • The nurses' strike in New York City lasted nearly a month before the tentative agreement was reached on February 9, 2026.

The players

Eddie Bauer LLC

The operator of roughly 180 Eddie Bauer stores across the U.S. and Canada, which has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

Montefiore and Mount Sinai

Two major hospital systems in New York City that have reached a tentative agreement with nurses to end a strike.

NewYork Presbyterian

A major hospital system in New York City where nurses remain on strike.

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What’s next

Union members at Montefiore and Mount Sinai hospitals will vote this week on whether to ratify the contracts and return to work.

The takeaway

Eddie Bauer's third bankruptcy filing in just over 20 years underscores the ongoing challenges facing traditional retailers, while the nurses' strike in New York City highlights the broader tensions in the healthcare industry around staffing, working conditions, and compensation.