Eddie Bauer
US Store founder
Died when: 86 years 181 days (1037 months)Star Sign: Libra
Eddie Bauer, LLC was an American clothing store chain headquartered in Seattle, Washington.Eddie Bauer sells its merchandise via retail stores, outlet stores, and online and via phone, with a call center in Groveport, Ohio.
Its flagship store is in Bellevue at Bellevue Square.In addition to the three sales channels, the company operates a distribution and fulfillment center in Groveport, Ohio; an IT facility in Westmont, Illinois; and a distribution center in Vaughan, Ontario.
Eddie Bauer is also a minority participant in joint ventures in Japan and Germany that include retail stores, catalogs, and websites.
The company also selectively licenses the Eddie Bauer brand name and logo for various products sold through other companies including eyewear, furniture, bicycles, and, up until the 2010 model year, upper level versions of Ford Motor Company's Bronco, Explorer, Expedition and Excursion SUVs.
The company was established in 1920 in Seattle by Pacific Northwest outdoorsman Eddie Bauer (1899–1986).In 1940, Bauer patented the first quilted down jacket.
The company was the first independent company that the United States Army allowed to use a logo on the Army-issued uniform.
Bauer retired and sold the company to his partner in 1968.General Mills bought the company in 1971 and Spiegel acquired it from General Mills in 1988.
In 2003, Spiegel filed bankruptcy and in May 2005, it emerged from bankruptcy under the name "Eddie Bauer Holdings, Inc.".On June 17, 2009, Eddie Bauer filed bankruptcy and was acquired by Golden Gate Capital the following month.
In 2021, it was acquired by Authentic Brands Group and SPARC Group LLC.