Eddie Bauer files for bankruptcy, begins winding down all stores in the US and Canada

Group 1 - Eddie Bauer's brick-and-mortar operations are facing significant financial distress, with liabilities exceeding $1 billion and assets ranging from $100 million to $500 million [4] - The company has been impacted by macroeconomic factors, changing consumer preferences, rising inflation, and increased competition, leading to a sustained period of negative earnings [3][5] - The entity operating Eddie Bauer's stores in the U.S. and Canada filed for bankruptcy, planning to close 175 stores and facing average weekly disbursements of approximately $1.6 million, while having only about $20 million in cash [8] Group 2 - Eddie Bauer's e-commerce and wholesale operations have been transferred to Outdoor 5, which will also support other brands under Authentic Brands Group [7] - The brand's merchandise is already available at J.C. Penney, indicating a shift towards a digital and wholesale-focused strategy [3][7] - The Chapter 11 bankruptcy process does not affect the brand's wholesale and e-commerce operations, which are managed by separate licensees [8]