Eddie Bauer Files Chapter 11 Bankruptcy As Tariff Pressure Mounts - American Eagle Outfitters (NYSE:AEO), Bath & Body Works (NYSE:BBWI)

Core Viewpoint - Eddie Bauer LLC has filed for voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection due to tariff uncertainty and operational pressures [1] Company Overview - Eddie Bauer is a Seattle-based outdoor lifestyle brand founded in 1920, specializing in premium-quality apparel, outerwear, footwear, and accessories [2] - Retail operations will continue during liquidation sales as the company seeks a going-concern sale, while e-commerce and wholesale operations remain unaffected [2] Operational Challenges - The CEO of Catalyst Brands, Marc Rosen, highlighted that increased costs from inflation and ongoing tariff uncertainty have significantly impacted the business [3] - Despite improvements in product development and marketing, the changes were insufficient to counteract long-term challenges [3] Industry Context - Industry leaders, including Levi's and Uniqlo, have expressed concerns about the high impact of tariffs on their businesses, indicating a broader industry challenge [4]