International Stores Unaffected
The potential restructuring would not extend beyond North America, a source confirmed to PEOPLE. Eddie Bauer’s international footprint — including approximately 20 stores in Japan, as reported by WWD — would remain untouched.
Ownership of the Eddie Bauer brand and its intellectual property rests with Authentic Brands Group, which licenses operations to various partners.
Manufacturing and Online Business to Continue
Even if Catalyst moves forward with bankruptcy proceedings, Eddie Bauer’s manufacturing, wholesale and online operations are expected to continue without disruption.
Those divisions are in the process of transitioning — or have already transitioned — from Catalyst to a new licensee, O5, formerly known as Oved. Authentic announced the transfer in a Jan. 8 press release, describing the move as part of a broader effort to expand the heritage brand’s digital presence and grow its “online footprint.”
Catalyst’s retail portfolio extends beyond Eddie Bauer, encompassing brands such as Aéropostale, Lucky Brand, Nautica and JCPenney.
Authentic Brands Group declined to comment when contacted by PEOPLE. Catalyst Brands did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
