Eddie Bauer Imposes March 12 Deadline for Gift Cards and Loyalty Points in Bankruptcy Proceedings
Eddie Bauer has announced a critical deadline for customers holding gift cards or loyalty program points, setting March 12, 2026, as the last day to redeem them at its North American stores. This move is directly tied to the recent bankruptcy protection filings initiated by the retail operator earlier this month, as confirmed by court documents.
What Shoppers Need to Know
The countdown is officially on for anyone with unused Eddie Bauer gift cards or rewards accumulated through the Adventure Points program. These will be accepted only until March 12 at physical locations in Canada and the United States that are slated for closure. The bankruptcy proceedings are part of a broader liquidation effort by owner Catalyst Brands, which is actively seeking a buyer while marking down inventory by at least 60% in some stores.
Importantly, all sales during this liquidation phase are final, meaning returns will not be accepted on any merchandise purchased. However, the situation does not impact Eddie Bauer's e-commerce and wholesale operations, which were transitioned to longtime licensee Outdoor 5 earlier this month. Outdoor 5 has not filed for creditor protection, and stores outside North America remain unaffected, as Authentic Brands Group holds the global brand and intellectual property rights.
Uncertainty for Online Redemptions
It remains unclear whether North American customers can use their gift cards or loyalty points for online purchases after the March 12 deadline. The company has not provided immediate clarification in response to inquiries, leaving shoppers in a state of limbo regarding digital redemptions.
Historical Context of Financial Struggles
This is not the first time Eddie Bauer has faced financial turmoil. The iconic retailer, founded in 1920, has previously filed for bankruptcy twice:
- In March 2003, its then-parent company Spiegel Inc. encountered severe financial difficulties, leading to the closure of several Eddie Bauer stores. The brand managed to survive through a restructuring that created Eddie Bauer Holdings, Inc., emerging from bankruptcy protection in June 2005.
- In June 2009, the retailer filed for bankruptcy again before being acquired by Golden Gate Capital. More recently, in 2021, it was purchased by Authentic Brands Group and SPARC Group LLC.
The current proceedings highlight the ongoing challenges in the retail sector, particularly for heritage brands navigating economic pressures. Customers are urged to act swiftly to utilize their credits before the impending deadline, while the future of the physical stores hangs in the balance.
