Eddie Bauer To Close 25 Stores Amid Retail Restructuring

Eddie Bauer To Close 25 Stores Amid Retail Restructuring...

Outdoor apparel retailer Eddie Bauer announced plans Tuesday to close 25 underperforming stores across the U.S. by mid-2026. The move comes as the 103-year-old brand restructures its brick-and-mortar footprint to focus on e-commerce and flagship locations.

The closures affect stores in 15 states, including California, New York, and Illinois. A company spokesperson confirmed impacted employees will receive severance packages and opportunities to transfer to remaining locations. The first wave of shutdowns begins April 15.

Eddie Bauer's parent company, SPARC Group, cited changing consumer habits and rising operational costs as key factors. The trend follows similar retail downsizing by competitors like The North Face and Columbia Sportswear over the past year.

Social media reactions have been mixed, with longtime customers expressing disappointment over losing local stores. Retail analysts note the closures reflect broader challenges facing mid-tier outdoor brands competing with direct-to-consumer startups.

The company emphasized its 300 remaining U.S. stores and website will continue normal operations. Eddie Bauer recently launched a new loyalty program and expanded its plus-size offerings to boost online sales.

This marks the brand's largest round of closures since its 2020 bankruptcy restructuring. Industry watchers will monitor whether further cuts follow amid what analysts call a "retail correction" in the outdoor sector.