Eddie Bauer store operator reportedly set to file for bankruptcy, affecting 200 stores in US

Eddie Bauer is said to be preparing to file for bankruptcy and shut down its 200 North American stores, according to sources at WWD.

The outdoor brand’s store operations are owned by Catalyst Brands under license from brand owner Authentic Brands Group, which would indicate that the broader Catalyst Brands business would not be affected. The bankruptcy filing is said not to include the approximately 20 Eddie Bauer stores in Japan.

Formed last year by Simon Property Group, Brookfield Corp., Authentic Brands Group, and Shein, Catalyst Brands includes Lucky Brand, Aéropostale, Nautica, Brooks Brothers, JCPenney, and Eddie Bauer.

Any bankruptcy filing would be limited to store operations and would not affect the company’s manufacturing, e-commerce, or wholesale businesses in the US and Canada.

The media report comes weeks after the parent company of Eddie Bauer, Authentic Brands Group, said it was preparing the brand for global growth by appointing licensing firm Outdoor 5, LLC (Oved) to manage Eddie Bauer’s e-commerce and wholesale operations, in addition to its design and product development in the US and Canada.

From February 2 onwards, Outdoor 5 will take over full responsibility for Eddie Bauer’s e-commerce, wholesale, design, and product development, while Catalyst Brands will retain responsibility for the brand’s retail and outlet stores in North America. 

Sources at WWD speculate that the bankruptcy filing is likely to take place after February 2, or later in the month. FashionUnited has contacted Catalyst Brands and Authentic Brands Group for additional commentary.