The retail operator of Eddie Bauer is expected to file for bankruptcy and close all North American stores of the outdoor retail operator, according to multiple news sources.
Founded in 1920 in Seattle, Eddie Bauer currently operates more than 200 locations globally, according to its website. The retailer specializes in outdoor clothing and gear, as well as hiking and travel equipment.
Catalyst Brands, which owns the rights to operate Eddie Bauer stores in North America, is preparing to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, Business Insider reported Feb. 2.
The move would likely shutter about 180 Eddie Bauer stores in the United States and Canada, including eight in Wisconsin. A chapter 11 filing would not impact Eddie Bauer’s manufacturing, wholesale or e-commerce operations, nor would it impact stores outside of the U.S. and Canada, a spokesperson for the company told the Journal Sentinel.
Several parties are interested in bidding for the rights to operate some or all of the remaining North American Eddie Bauer stores, Business Insider reported. A winning bidder could potentially keep the stores open or reopen them under the name of the another retailer.
Eddie Bauer has previously filed for bankruptcy in 2003 and in 2009.
Where are Eddie Bauer stores in Wisconsin?
Eddie Bauer operates eight locations in Wisconsin, including one at Wauwatosa’s Mayfair Mall, according to its store locator.
Here are all of the locatons:
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Retail operator of Eddie Bauer expected to file for bankruptcy, could close all Wisconsin stores
Reporting by Maia Pandey, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
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