End of an Era: Eddie Bauer, Outdoor Retail Pioneer, Poised to Shutter All North American Stores
After more than a century outfitting adventurers, the iconic Eddie Bauer retail chain is on the brink of closing its doors for good across North America. Industry reports indicate a planned shift to an online-only model, marking a profound shift for a brand synonymous with physical exploration.
According to a report in Women's Wear Daily, Eddie Bauer is expected to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, a move that would lead to the liquidation of its approximately 200 stores in the U.S. and Canada. The brand's parent company, Authentic Brands Group, had already signaled a strategic pivot in January, transferring e-commerce and product development operations to a new partner, Outdoor 5.
Founded in 1920 by outdoorsman Eddie Bauer, who patented the first quilted down jacket in 1936, the company grew from a single Seattle shop into a global powerhouse. At its peak in the late 1990s, it operated close to 600 locations worldwide. However, the retail landscape's seismic shifts—accelerated by the pandemic and changing consumer habits—have taken a heavy toll. This would be the company's third bankruptcy filing since 2003.
Signs of the impending end are already visible. Shoppers have reported seeing "store closing" and liquidation sale signs at various mall locations. The company's website has quietly removed its store locator tool, and representatives have not publicly denied the widespread closure reports.
>> Notice a business closing in your community? Contact reporter Vincent Nocera at [email protected].
The potential collapse of Eddie Bauer's physical presence is part of a broader contraction in the outdoor retail sector. Recently, Eugene-based Bi-Mart announced the closure of its Cascade Farm and Outdoor stores, and legacy brand Orvis plans to halve its retail footprint this year. These developments highlight the intense pressure on mid-market specialty retailers competing against both online giants and direct-to-consumer brands.
Voices from the Community:
"It's a heartbreaking loss," said Marcus Chen, a 52-year-old hiking guide from Portland. "My first serious winter coat was an Eddie Bauer. It wasn't just a store; it was where you went before a trip. The move online feels like losing a trusted guide."
"Frankly, it's a failure to adapt, wrapped in nostalgia," argued Dr. Aliyah Vance, a retail analyst. "The brand struggled for decades to define its identity between premium outdoor gear and mall casualwear. While the down jacket heritage is strong, the in-store experience hadn't evolved to justify the footprint in an e-commerce age."
"This is corporate vandalism," fumed Jake Riordan, a longtime employee at the Clackamas Town Center location. "Authentic Brands Group is stripping a historic name for parts. They're not saving a brand; they're killing communities and jobs for a tax write-off. We built relationships here, not just transactions."
"It's a sign of the times, but also a missed opportunity," noted Priya Mehta, a small business owner in Seattle. "There was a chance to leverage that heritage into curated, experiential flagship stores. Instead, we get another vacant storefront. It diminishes the city's retail character."
Notably, Eddie Bauer's approximately 20 stores in Japan, operated under a separate licensing agreement, are expected to remain open. The reported bankruptcy proceedings would affect North American operations only.
This report is based on original reporting from The Oregonian/OregonLive.