I cannot say that I am at all surprised. Their stuff got stale the last 2-3 years. Service also notably declined as well. For a while their First Ascent stuff was legit, and their service was good, but it all fell apart. They are blaming the tariffs and soft sales. Some are saying that the brand has not evolved. I tend to agree with the latter.
Similar to other "brands" like Spyder, one entity owns the IP/label and some of the retail outlets, while another ran the retail stores. The latter entity is the one that is filing for bankruptcy. That entity operates the retail stores in the US and Canada.
I always thought that it was a great brand. I just feel that it could never find its spot. I imagine that we will continue to see their items in Costco and online. The website is pretty slim pickings right now and not at all appealing IMHO.
Some articles:
retailboss.substack.com
Similar to other "brands" like Spyder, one entity owns the IP/label and some of the retail outlets, while another ran the retail stores. The latter entity is the one that is filing for bankruptcy. That entity operates the retail stores in the US and Canada.
I always thought that it was a great brand. I just feel that it could never find its spot. I imagine that we will continue to see their items in Costco and online. The website is pretty slim pickings right now and not at all appealing IMHO.
Some articles:
Eddie Bauer’s Third Bankruptcy: What Happens When You Stop Listening to Your Customer
Three bankruptcies in 23 years. $174M lost in four years. How Eddie Bauer's refusal to adapt killed a 106-year brand.
retailboss.substack.com