Iconic Retailer to File for Bankruptcy – 180 Stores to Close

(KMDL-FM) The world of brick-and-mortar is apparently losing another iconic name to the ever-changing retail landscape. According to media reports, the closure of the brand's storefronts across the country does not mean the end of the iconic name and its iconic brand. The products will be licensed and sold elsewhere.

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Such has not been the case with many retailers who are feeling the sting of changing buying habits across the marketplace. Retailers of all kinds are facing closure, but especially those who are situated in large shopping malls appear to be feeling the pinch of e-commerce and expedited home delivery.

Why Are So Many Brick-and-Mortar Storefronts Closing?

The focus on convenience appears to be the death knell of many larger retailers who occupy large storefronts and have hundreds of square feet of floor space. Instead of a large in-person shopping experience, there does seem to be a trend toward seeing it on the phone, buying it online, and then waiting for a home delivery in just a few hours.

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Or at the very least, a day or so, as many of the major online retailers now offer expedited shipping and delivery. So gone are the "four to six weeks" for delivery that once upon a time were the standard for mail-ordered merchandise.

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And while we've spent a good deal of time describing shopping on the "inside," the brand that is facing economic changes made its fame and fortune in the outdoors. The brand is known for its rugged appeal and bold outdoorsy looks. The brand has even been included in some truck and SUV designs.  I am sure you're familiar with the name Eddie Bauer.

Was There Actually a Person Named Eddie Bauer?

And yes, there was actually a guy named Eddie Bauer. He was an outdoorsman and outdoor enthusiast who founded his namesake store in Seattle, Washington, in 1920. Bauer's outdoor clothing innovations include the first-ever quilted down-insulated jacket. It was called the Skyliner, and it helped launch the brand into prominence in the world of outdoor and cold-weather apparel.

The brand currently operates stores in 45 states. There have been Eddie Bauer locations in Lafayette at Acadiana Mall, Prien Lake Mall in Lake Charles, and in Metairie. Those stand-alone locations of the brand are closed and have been for some time.

According to reports, the parent company of Eddie Bauer is expected to file for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy. Part of that plan, according to media insights, includes closing 180 standalone locations. Many of you may have shopped the Eddie Bauer Outlet store at Tanger Outlet Center in Foley, Alabama. That location is expected to close when bankruptcy proceedings move forward.

Will Eddie Bauer Products Still Be Available at Other Retailers?

From our sources, we have learned that liquidation sales are already underway, so that could mean extra savings as the company readjusts its business model. And some media outlets are reporting there is an interest in keeping some of the stores open, but nothing has been confirmed in that regard as of this report.

As we mentioned earlier, this is not the end of the Eddie Bauer brand. There will still be products manufactured and sold under the iconic name, but they just won't be sold from an Eddie Bauer storefront. Currently, the products are available through JCPenney, Kohl's, Target, Amazon, and Nordstrom Rack.