Eddie Bauer's Retail Retreat: Iowa Stores Among Nationwide Closures Amid Bankruptcy Proceedings
The landscape of American retail is shifting once again, with outdoor apparel stalwart Eddie Bauer poised to close its doors across North America. Parent company Catalyst Brands is preparing a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, a move that will end the brick-and-mortar presence of the 104-year-old brand in the United States and Canada, though its manufacturing, e-commerce, and international operations will continue.
The decision impacts approximately 180 stores. In Iowa, the closures signal the end of an era for several communities. The location at Ames' North Grand Mall ceased operations on January 28 after decades in business. Meanwhile, the Sioux City store has posted "store closing" signs, and similar indications have appeared at the Valley West Mall location in West Des Moines. Attempts to reach managers at stores in Altoona, Cedar Rapids, Coralville, and Williamsburg yielded little clarity, with some declining to comment on future plans.
Founded in Seattle in 1920, Eddie Bauer built its reputation on durable outdoor clothing and gear, becoming a trusted name for generations of hikers and travelers. The store closures, particularly in malls like Valley West, exacerbate the trend of dwindling anchor tenants. With Eddie Bauer's departure, only JCPenney and a temporary pop-up remain as clothing retailers in that mall, leaving vast sections of retail space vacant.
Voices from the Community:
"It's heartbreaking," said Michael Torres, a longtime Ames resident and outdoor enthusiast. "That store was where I got my first serious winter jacket twenty years ago. It's not just a store closing; it feels like losing a piece of local history and a knowledgeable resource for gear."
Sarah Chen, a retail analyst based in Des Moines, offered a broader perspective: "This is a strategic realignment, not a brand extinction. Eddie Bauer is prioritizing its profitable wholesale and online channels. It's a painful but calculated retreat from the expensive, traffic-dependent mall model that has crippled so many retailers."
Lisa Hammond, a small business owner in Coralville, reacted sharply: "This is corporate failure plain and simple. They lost touch with what made them special. Now our communities are left with empty storefronts and fewer choices. It's another blow to the idea of 'Main Street' America, and frankly, I'm furious we keep losing these foundational businesses."
David Miller, a former manager at the Sioux City location, reflected nostalgically: "We had customers whose families had shopped with us for three generations. The personal service, the expertise—that's what's disappearing. An algorithm can't tell you which jacket is best for a week in the Boundary Waters."
Reporting from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and local Iowa publications contributed to this story.