The operator of a national clothing retailer has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, and its brick-and-mortar stores in North Carolina are shutting down as a result.
Eddie Bauer, which began as an outdoor clothing and gear shop in 1920, is liquidating its retail stores in the United States, following “a failed attempt to secure a buyer for the retail division earlier this month,” a customer service representative for the company told The News & Observer in an email.
Eddie Bauer is operated by Catalyst Brands, which also operates Brooks Brothers, JC Penney, Aeropostale, Lucky Brand and Nautica. The other brands were not affected by the Eddie Bauer bankruptcy, according to a news release from Eddie Bauer.
Triangle clothing store closes amid bankruptcy
There is one Eddie Bauer store in the Triangle — at Carolina Premium Outlets in Smithfield. This location, at 1025 Outlet Center Drive Suite 1239, is in its final liquidation phase, the customer service representative told The N&O.
It may be open for a few more weeks to clear remaining inventory, but it and all other physical stores are expected to be “permanently shuttered” by Thursday, April 30, the customer service representative told The N&O…