Bend’s Eddie Bauer Outlet store set to close amid reports operator will file for bankruptcy, shut all U.S. stores
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Eddie Bauer Outlet at Bend Factory Stores will close amid several news and industry reports that the outdoor apparel retailer plans to close all of its North American stores after a planned Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing.
An employee of the Bend store on South Highway 97, who asked not to be named, confirmed Friday to KTVZ News that workers learned on Thursday that the store will close by April 30.
Women's Wear Daily reported late last month, quoting sources, that Catalyst Brands, which owns the rights to operate the stores, will leave the brick-and-mortar business and close its approximately 180 North American stores. It reported that the Chapter 11 filing could happen this month.
Business Insider reported Friday that several parties are expected to bid for the rights to operate some or all of the stores, possibly keeping its U.S. stores open or bringing the Eddie Bauer brand under another retailer.
Eddie Bauer's namesake opened his first store in Seattle over a century ago, in 1920 and later designed the first patented down jacket. The company previously twice filed for bankruptcy, in 2003 and 2009.
Some Eddie Bauer stores already have posted signs announcing their closure, with no date given, including one at a Reno, Nevada mall.
The closure is not expected to affect the brand's manufacturing or e-commerce operations or stores operating outside the U.S. or Canada.
