Eddie Bauer LLC, which operates Eddie Bauer stores across the U.S. and Canada, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The retail operator further announced on February 9 that it had reached a Restructuring Support Agreement (RSA) with its secured lenders as part of a court-supervised sale process.
Eddie Bauer LLC Voluntarily Files for Chapter 11
According to PACER records, Eddie Bauer LLC submitted a Chapter 11 petition in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey. The company voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 on February 9. The filing was signed by Stephen Coulombe, the company’s co-chief restructuring officer.
Attorney Michael D. Sirota of Cole Schotz P.C. is representing Eddie Bauer LLC in court.
Filing details show that four affiliates of the retail operator have pending bankruptcy filings in the court as well. These include 13051269 Canada Inc., Eddie Bauer Gift Card Services LLC, Eddie Bauer of Canada Corporation, and SPARC EB Holdings LLC.
The Retail Operator Enters into an RSA with Secured Lenders
According to the Businesswire release, the RSA is intended to help the company move through the Chapter 11 process efficiently.
Using the RSA and the bankruptcy filing, the retail operator is seeking to conduct liquidation sales at its U.S. and Canadian stores. While doing so, a going-concern sale of all or part of the store operations at Eddie Bauer is set to continue.
If a sale is completed, the company could avoid full store closures and continue operations as a going concern. The retail operator believes that this dual-track process could result in maximized value for all stakeholders.
Retail and Outlet Stores to Remain Functional
The retail and outlet stores of Eddie Bauer LLC across the U.S. and Canada are going to be operational as the retail company initiates the process of shutting down select locations. In addition, its e-commerce and wholesale operations will stay unaffected by the closure, as Outdoor 5, LLC (Oved), a separate licensed operator, manages these areas.
As of now, Authentic Brands Group owns the IP related to the Eddie Bauer brand and may license it to other operators.
Catalyst Brands said the Chapter 11 filing applies only to Eddie Bauer and does not affect its other portfolio brands.
Catalyst Brands’ CEO Cites Financial Strain
Reflecting on the reasons that prompted the Chapter 11 filing, Marc Rosen, CEO of Catalyst Brands, said, “Even prior to the inception of Catalyst Brands last year, the Retail Company was in a challenged situation, with declining sales, supply chain challenges, and other issues.”
Rosen added that these challenges intensified in the last one year due to several economic headwinds, such as increased costs of doing business owing to inflation, current tariff-related uncertainty, and other contributors.
“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,” Rosen stated
He further detailed how Eddie Bauer LLC evaluated different options to save its future, including shifting the retail operator’s e-commerce and wholesale operations to Outdoor 5 LLC. After weighing everything, the company decided to file under Chapter 11 and pursue a court-supervised sale.
Rosen concluded by saying, “If the Retail Company is unable to come to such an arrangement, we will commence an orderly wind down of the Retail Company’s store operations.”
About Eddie Bauer
Founded in 1920 by Eddie Bauer in Seattle, Washington, the outdoor lifestyle brand originally offered clothing, footwear, outerwear, and gear for outdoor activities, adventure, and travel. Over its more than 100-year history, Eddie Bauer expanded its offerings for everyday settings as well.
Case Related Details
Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Cole Schotz P.C., and Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP are the proposed legal counsel of Eddie Bauer LLC. SOLIC Capital Advisors is the proposed investment banker, whereas BRG is its proposed financial advisor. Reevemark is offering services as the communications advisor to Eddie Bauer LLC.
Additional details from the Chapter 11 filing include:
- Filing Date: February 9, 2026
- Court and Jurisdiction: U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey
- Type of Filing: Active, Voluntary Petition
- Chapter: 11
- Case Number: 26-11422-SLM
- Estimated Assets: $100,000,001 to $500 million
- Estimated Liabilities: $1,000,000,001 to $10 billion
- Reason for Filing: Pursue a sales process under court supervision
Court filings show that Eddie Bauer LLC has more than 100,000 creditors. Court filings indicate that funds will be available for distribution to the unsecured creditors.
The documents submitted to the court by Eddie Bauer LLC include a list of equity security holders and a corporate ownership statement. A consolidated list of creditors who have the 30 largest unsecured claims and are not insiders was submitted as well.
The bankruptcy outcome of Eddie Bauer LLC is expected to shape recoveries for its stakeholders and the future structure of the retail business.
