Eddie Bauer to Close All South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa Stores

I hate to break this news to my best friend because she has been a devoted Eddie Bauer shopper for as long as I've known her. You could say she has an Eddie Bauer addiction.

Eddie Bauer's Declining Legacy: A Shocking Announcement

Seattle-based Eddie Bauer is going to declare bankruptcy and is expected to close all 200 remaining stores in the U.S. and Canada.

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This will be the third time the brand has filed for bankruptcy. It has gone through many ownership changes since it was founded 106 years ago.

Eddie Bauer was founded in 1920 in Seattle, Washington, and is known for its durable outerwear. This is the company that patented the quilted down coat in 1940 after the company's founder developed hypothermia on a fishing trip. So you can thank Eddie Bauer for virtually every puffy, quilty, coat that came after that.

Several factors contributed to the store closures. Like many retailers, Eddie Bauer struggled with declining foot traffic as more shoppers moved online. Rising costs for rent, labor, and utilities also made it difficult for stores to stay profitable. Increased competition from online-focused outdoor brands has added to the challenge.

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The Future of Eddie Bauer: Online Transition

While many physical stores are closing, shoppers will still be able to buy Eddie Bauer products online, showing that the brand itself is expected to continue into the future.