Eddie Bauer the 106-year-old label that pioneered outdoor sportswear files Chapter 11
3 minute readPublished: Monday, February 9, 2026 at 2:29 pm
Eddie Bauer Files for Bankruptcy, Third Time in Two Decades
NEW YORK – Eddie Bauer LLC, the company operating the iconic outdoor sportswear brand, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The filing, announced Monday, involves the operator of approximately 180 Eddie Bauer retail and outlet stores across the United States and Canada. This marks the third bankruptcy filing for the brand in just over two decades.
The company stated it has entered into a restructuring agreement with its secured lenders. The filing was made in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey.
While the bankruptcy process unfolds, Eddie Bauer stores in the U.S. and Canada will remain open, continuing to serve customers. The company plans to conduct a court-supervised sales process. If a sale cannot be finalized, Eddie Bauer will begin winding down its U.S. and Canadian operations.
Marc Rosen, CEO of Catalyst Brands, which holds the license to operate Eddie Bauer stores in the U.S. and Canada, acknowledged the difficulty of the decision. He stated that the restructuring is intended to maximize value for stakeholders and ensure the profitability, liquidity, and cash flow of Catalyst Brands.
Eddie Bauer's retail locations outside the U.S. and Canada, operated by other licensees, are not included in the Chapter 11 filing and will continue normal operations. Authentic Brands Group, the owner of the Eddie Bauer brand's intellectual property, may license the brand to other operators. The operations of other brands within the Catalyst Brands portfolio are unaffected by the filing. Eddie Bauer's e-commerce and wholesale operations, managed by Outdoor 5, LLC, will also continue without interruption.
BNN's Perspective: The repeated bankruptcy filings of a brand with such a rich history raises questions about the evolving retail landscape and the challenges faced by established brands in adapting to changing consumer preferences and market dynamics. While the brand's legacy is undeniable, its future hinges on a successful restructuring or sale that can revitalize its appeal and ensure its long-term viability.
Keywords: Eddie Bauer, bankruptcy, Chapter 11, retail, outdoor sportswear, restructuring, Catalyst Brands, Authentic Brands Group, e-commerce, wholesale, stores, Canada, United States, wind down