Eddie Bauer LLC Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

Authentic Brands Group===Eddie Bauer LLC, the operator of approximately 180 Authentic Brands Group===Eddie Bauer stores in the U.S. and Canada, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. This marks the third bankruptcy for the brand in just over two decades. The company has entered into a restructuring pact with its secured lenders, with a court-supervised sales process underway. If a buyer is not found, operations in these regions will be wound down. Marc Rosen, CEO of Catalyst Brands, which licenses Authentic Brands Group===Eddie Bauer stores, cited declining sales, increased costs due to inflation, and tariff uncertainty as contributing factors. While U.S. and Canadian retail stores are affected, Authentic Brands Group===Eddie Bauer's international stores, e-commerce, and wholesale operations (run by Outdoor 5, LLC) remain unaffected. Authentic Brands Group continues to own the intellectual property. This event reflects broader struggles in the U.S. retail industry, with other major retailers like Hudson's Bay Company===Saks Fifth Avenue and Amazon also undergoing significant restructuring.