Eddie Bauer Store Closures: Why This Legacy Brand Is Shutting Down Locations

A real-life chat about what’s happening to a 100-year-old retailer and what it says about today’s shopping world.

The Eddie Bauer location at the Rockaway Townsquare mall in New Jersey has started store-closing sales. (Linda Moss/CoStar)

Eddie Bauer Store Closures: Let’s Talk About What’s Going On

Okay friends, this one feels a little nostalgic.

If you’ve ever walked through a mall, especially during the holidays, chances are you’ve seen or shopped at Eddie Bauer. Cozy jackets, outdoor gear, classic sweaters — it’ one of those brands that’s just always been there.

So hearing about major Eddie Bauer store closures hits a little differently, especially for longtime shoppers.

Let’s break it down in a simple, real-talk way.

A Familiar Mall Brand Is Saying Goodbye

The Eddie Bauer location at Columbia Center mall is preparing to close, and it’s not alone. Reports say the company plans to shut down all of its brick-and-mortar stores in the U.S. as part of a Chapter 11 bankruptcy process.

For many communities, that means another well-known mall store disappearing.

And if you’ve been to a mall lately, you already know — foot traffic isn’t what it used to be. More people are shopping online, and traditional retailers are feeling the pressure.

How Did We Get Here?

Eddie Bauer has actually been through ups and downs before.

The company was founded in 1920 and built its reputation on outdoor clothing. Fun fact: Eddie Bauer himself patented one of the first quilted down jackets back in 1940 — which became a game-changer for winter wear.

But like many legacy retailers, ownership has changed hands multiple times over the decades. The brand even went through bankruptcy once before in 2009.

Last year, Eddie Bauer became part of a larger group called Catalyst Brands, which includes labels like:

• Aéropostale

• Brooks Brothers

• Lucky Brand

• Nautica

This group formed through a joint venture involving JCPenney and SPARC Group, with backing from big players like Simon Property Group and Authentic Brands Group.

So this isn’t a tiny company struggling alone — it’s part of a much bigger retail ecosystem.

Is the Whole Company Disappearing?

Not exactly.

Reports suggest:

• U.S. physical stores are closing

• International stores (like in Japan) may continue

• Other Catalyst Brands are not directly affected

So the Eddie Bauer name isn’t vanishing completely — it’s more like shifting focus, possibly toward online retail.

The Bigger Retail Reality

Let’s be honest: shopping habits have changed.

People now:

• Shop more online

• Compare prices instantly

• Expect fast shipping

• Follow trends through social media

Traditional mall stores have to compete with all of that — and it’s tough.

Eddie Bauer isn’t the first legacy brand to face this, and it probably won’t be the last.

What This Means for Shoppers

If you love Eddie Bauer, this might mean:

• Shopping online instead of in-store

• Watching for clearance sales

• Possibly seeing the brand reappear in a different format later

Retail today is all about adapting. Some brands close stores but thrive online.

Final Thoughts (Friend to Friend)

It’s always a little sad to see a long-standing brand struggle. Stores like Eddie Bauer carry memories for a lot of people — first winter coats, holiday shopping trips, gifts for loved ones.

But retail is evolving fast, and brands either pivot or fall behind.

One thing’s for sure: the way we shop today looks very different than it did even 10 years ago.

And honestly? It’ll probably keep changing.