Outdoor apparel retailer Eddie Bauer, whose namesake opened its first store in Seattle more than 100 years ago, is expected to close its stores in North America and file for bankruptcy.
The company operates more than 200 stores in North America currently — down from more than 600 international locations in the 1990s. Locations outside of North America would not be subject to the bankruptcy proceedings, according to Women’s Wear Daily.
The company’s manufacturing, wholesale, or e-commerce operations would continue, WWD reports.
Catalyst Brands, which owns the rights to operate Eddie Bauer stores, is the entity filing for bankruptcy.
Business Insider reportsthat a number of parties are expected to bid for the rights to operate some or all of the Eddie Bauer stores. A winning bidder would then be able to license the rights from Authentic Brands Group and potentially keep stores open or bring the Eddie Bauer brand under the umbrella of another retailer.
The outdoor chain has filed for bankruptcy twice in the past, once in 2003 and again in 2009.
Eddie Bauer is credited with having created the quilted goose down jacket, receiving a patent for the durable outerwear development in 1940.
