RIP Franchises of our youths

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Outerwear retailer files for bankruptcy, will shutter California stores
By Tessa McLean, California EditorMarch 9, 2026
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FILE: A now-closed location of Eddie Bauer at the former San Francisco Centre on Oct. 26, 2011, in San Francisco.
Steve Jennings/WireImage
All [url=https://www.sfgate.com/california/]California Eddie Bauer stores are expected to close following a failed bankruptcy auction of its retail operations. 

Eddie Bauer LLC, which operates the store locations, could not find a qualified bidder, according to recently filed bankruptcy court documents. The retailer had filed for bankruptcy in February, but at the time, it was possible the stores would stay open under new ownership if a buyer was found.

The outdoor retailer had 13 stores across California as of publication, including outposts in Corte Madera, Fresno and San Clemente. Store associates reached at several locations said they did not know when the stores were closing permanently. Most locations confirmed they were advertising big sales on remaining inventory.
California law typically prohibits gift cards from ever expiring, but all Eddie Bauer gift cards and loyalty points will be invalid after Thursday, the court filings said. Still, the outerwear brand may live on in the form of e-commerce. Authentic Brands Group owns the company’s intellectual property and announced in February it would focus on Eddie Bauer’s “elite performance line” through its partnership with Outdoor 5, a licensing partner. 

File: Eddie Bauer shoes are displayed at an Eddie Bauer outlet store on March 17, 2022, in Novato, Calif.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
“In partnership with Outdoor 5, we are excited to put a spotlight on the brand pillars that have always defined Eddie Bauer: quality, functionality, and outdoor innovation,” said David Brooks, a vice president at Authentic Brands Group, in a statement. “We are also proud to announce the return of First Ascent, one of Eddie Bauer’s elite, performance-tested lines. Our focus is on Eddie Bauer’s roots in the outdoors while expanding its digital and wholesale reach to meet adventure-seeking consumers wherever they choose to shop.”

Eddie Bauer was founded in Seattle in 1920 and had around 180 stores across the U.S. and Canada when the company declared bankruptcy earlier this year. It was the third time the retailer had filed for bankruptcy since its founding, once in 2003 and again in 2009, though it would go on to overcome these prior hurdles. 

Retail continues to struggle across the United States. Claire’s, the accessory chain reliably found at malls across the country, filed for bankruptcy last year and announced it would be shuttering nearly 300 stores. Francesca’s, a beloved boutique chain, is reportedly closing all its stores. San Francisco-headquartered Williams Sonoma closed its Union Square store in January.

I've got several Eddie Bauer items in my wardrobe.