17 Jun
Eddie Bauer files for bankruptcy protection
Another U.S. retail icon falls victim to the recession
Struggling retailer Eddie Bauer Holdings Inc., which began as a Seattle fishing shop, later outfitted the first American to climb Mt. Everest and made thousands of newfangled down jackets and sleeping bags for the military during World War II, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Wednesday.
Still known for outdoorsy clothing but serving a distinctly more domestic clientele of students and other mall patrons, the company said Wednesday that a bidder has agreed to keep the majority of its 371 stores open and honor its gift cards and hold onto most employees.
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