NEWARK, New Jersey — The operator of Eddie Bauer’s approximately 180 retail outlets in the United States and Canada has sought Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, citing a decline in sales and mounting pressures within the retail industry.

This filing marks the third time in more than 20 years that the iconic outdoor clothing brand, originating from a Seattle fishing store, has turned to bankruptcy for relief. Eddie Bauer has a rich history, including a legacy of outfitting the first American to summit Mount Everest and supplying essential gear for military operations during World War I.

Eddie Bauer LLC announced that it has entered into a restructuring agreement with its secured lenders as it filed paperwork in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the District of New Jersey. The company stated that most retail and outlet locations in the U.S. and Canada will continue operations while certain stores are downsized.

“Making this decision has been extremely challenging,” said Marc Rosen, CEO of Catalyst Brands, which holds the license for Eddie Bauer stores. “This restructuring is aimed at maximizing value for stakeholders while ensuring Catalyst Brands remains viable and maintains healthy cash flow.”

While stores in the U.S. and Canada are impacted, Eddie Bauer’s international locations, managed by other licensees, will remain open and are unaffected by this bankruptcy. The intellectual property associated with the Eddie Bauer brand continues to be owned by Authentic Brands Group, allowing for potential licensing opportunities with other operators.

Additionally, the company has reassured customers that its e-commerce and wholesale operations will not be disrupted, as these sectors are managed by Outdoor 5, LLC, a transition that took place earlier this year.

Eddie Bauer’s struggles reflect a broader trend in retail, with numerous companies reducing their physical footprints amid shifting market dynamics. Recent high-profile bankruptcies in the sector include the parent company of Saks Fifth Avenue, which faced fierce competition and significant debt, prompting the closure of many stores.

Challenges such as inflation and tariff uncertainties have weighed heavily on retailers, forcing some to reevaluate their business strategies. Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData Retail, indicated that while Eddie Bauer remains a recognizable name, it has struggled to keep pace with competitors. Issues such as declining product quality have also contributed to younger consumers viewing the brand as outdated.

Founded in 1920 as Bauer’s Sports Shop by outdoor enthusiast Eddie Bauer, the brand has undergone numerous transformations. It became well-known for innovations in outdoor apparel, including the first patented goose-down jacket in 1936 and the supply of gear for the 1963 Everest expedition.

After Bauer’s retirement in 1968, the company shifted its focus toward casual wear and changed hands several times, facing financial hardships along the way. It emerged from its last bankruptcy in 2009 under new ownership and was most recently acquired in 2021.

As Eddie Bauer navigates this difficult chapter, industry observers are closely watching how it plans to adapt and whether it can revitalize its brand image to connect with a new generation of shoppers.