Eddie Bauer Retail Operator Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

Iconic outdoor apparel brand seeks buyer to save its 180 North American stores

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Eddie Bauer LLC, the entity that operates the brand's retail and outlet stores in the United States and Canada, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The company said it will conduct liquidation sales at its roughly 180 stores while pursuing a sale of its operations to a buyer. If no buyer emerges, the retailer is expected to close down its North American stores.

Why it matters

Eddie Bauer is one of the oldest and most iconic American outdoor apparel brands, known for its durable and innovative gear. The bankruptcy filing puts the future of the brand's retail presence in North America at risk, as the company seeks to find a buyer to keep its stores open.

The details

Eddie Bauer LLC, a subsidiary of retail holding company Catalyst Brands, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in federal court in New Jersey. The company cited declining sales, supply chain challenges, inflation, and other factors that have exacerbated its "challenged situation" over the past year. Under the restructuring plan, Eddie Bauer will conduct liquidation sales at its stores while pursuing a sale of its operations to a buyer. If no buyer emerges, the retailer is expected to close down its roughly 180 stores across the US and Canada.

  • Eddie Bauer LLC filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on February 9, 2026.

The players

Eddie Bauer LLC

The entity that operates Eddie Bauer's retail and outlet stores in the United States and Canada.

Catalyst Brands

The retail holding company that owns Eddie Bauer LLC.

Marc Rosen

The CEO of Catalyst Brands.

Authentic Brands Group

The company that owns the Eddie Bauer brand and intellectual property worldwide.

Outdoor 5

The company that is taking over the licenses for Eddie Bauer's manufacturing, e-commerce, and wholesale operations in North America from Catalyst Brands.

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What they’re saying

“Over the past year, these challenges have been exacerbated by various headwinds, including increased costs of doing business due to inflation, ongoing tariff uncertainty, and other factors.”

— Marc Rosen, CEO of Catalyst Brands (businessinsider.com)

What’s next

If a buyer emerges, the company may be able to avoid a full wind-down of operations and keep some stores open. However, if no buyer is found, the retailer is expected to close down its roughly 180 stores across the US and Canada.

The takeaway

The bankruptcy filing of Eddie Bauer's retail operator highlights the ongoing challenges facing traditional brick-and-mortar retailers, even for iconic brands like Eddie Bauer. The company's search for a buyer to save its North American stores underscores the need for innovative strategies and adaptability in the evolving retail landscape.