Feb. 11, 2026

The operator of Eddie Bauer stores has filed for bankruptcy and will close all locations in the U.S. and Canada if a buyer can’t be found.

Liquidation sales at the outdoor sportswear stores have started, and some stores will close even if a buyer is found, Eddie Bauer LLC said in a news release.

“Store closing” signs are posted at the location in The Empire Mall.

Merchandise there is marked at 40 percent to 60 percent off, and much of it is already gone.

The bankruptcy does not affect Eddie Bauer’s e-commerce and wholesale operations, which were sold recently to another company, Outdoor 5. Authentic Brands Group continues to owns the intellectual property associated with the Eddie Bauer brand and may license it to other operators, according to the news release.

Catalyst Brands is the company that maintains the license to operate Eddie Bauer stores in the U.S. and Canada, while stores in other countries are operated by other licensees.

“Even prior to the inception of Catalyst Brands last year, the Retail Company (Eddie Bauer LLC) was in a challenged situation, with declining sales, supply chain challenges and other issues,” said Marc Rosen, CEO of Catalyst Brands. “Over the past year, these challenges have been exacerbated by various headwinds, including increased costs of doing business due to inflation, ongoing tariff uncertainty and other factors. While the leadership team at Catalyst was able to make significant strides in the brand, including rapid improvements in product development and marketing, those changes could not be implemented fast enough to fully address the challenges created over several years.”

Catalyst Brand’s portfolio also includes JCPenney, Brooks Brothers, Aeropostale, Lucky Brand and Nautica. Simon Property Group, which owns The Empire Mall, is a shareholder in Catalyst Brands.