Eddie Bauer operator files for bankruptcy, hundreds of stores at risk

The storied outdoor apparel brand cites declining sales and industry headwinds as it seeks to restructure and potentially wind down operations.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The operator of roughly 180 Eddie Bauer stores across the US and Canada has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, blaming declining sales and a litany of other industry challenges. The company said most Eddie Bauer retail and outlet stores will remain open as it conducts a court-supervised sales process, but if a sale can't be executed, it will begin a wind-down of its US and Canadian operations.

Why it matters

Eddie Bauer's bankruptcy filing is the latest in a growing list of US retailers seeking protection or closing stores as the industry faces rising competition, high costs, and shifting consumer preferences. The iconic outdoor brand, founded in 1920, has struggled to keep pace with newer, trendier rivals, raising questions about the long-term viability of legacy retail brands.

The details

Eddie Bauer LLC said it had entered into a restructuring pact with its secured lenders as it made the Chapter 11 filing in the US Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey. The company noted that its e-commerce and wholesale operations will not be impacted by the wind down, as they are operated by a separate entity. Eddie Bauer's stores outside of the US and Canada, operated by other licensees, are also not included in the bankruptcy filing and will stay open.

  • Eddie Bauer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on February 9, 2026.
  • The company's restructuring and potential wind-down of US and Canadian operations will take place under court supervision.

The players

Eddie Bauer LLC

The operator of roughly 180 Eddie Bauer stores across the US and Canada that has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

Marc Rosen

CEO of Catalyst Brands, which maintains the license to operate Eddie Bauer stores in the US 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 will not be impacted by the wind down.

Eddie Bauer

The founder of the outdoor apparel brand that started as a Seattle fishing shop in 1920.

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What’s next

The judge in the bankruptcy case will decide whether to allow Eddie Bauer to proceed with its restructuring plan or begin a wind-down of its US and Canadian operations.

The takeaway

Eddie Bauer's bankruptcy filing highlights the challenges facing legacy retail brands as they struggle to adapt to changing consumer preferences, rising costs, and increased competition from newer, trendier outdoor apparel companies. The fate of the iconic brand's hundreds of stores hangs in the balance as it seeks to restructure or wind down its operations.