Major Retailer Now Closing All Stores In Minnesota, Wisconsin

Overall, 2025 was reportedly a mixed-to-positive year for retail, characterized by solid overall growth (2.7%–3.7% forecast increase) and record-high investment in physical retail properties ($66.2+ billion).

However, last year also saw a wave of U.S. retail store closures, with estimates ranging from over 8,000 to 15,000 locations shutting down as major chains like Macy's, Kohl's, JCPenney, Nordstrom, Rite Aid, Joann, and Party City adjusted store footprints, filed for bankruptcy, or shifted focus due to e-commerce, inflation, and evolving consumer habits.

Also, while some large retailers like Walmart and Amazon flourished, smaller, specialized brick-and-mortar stores faced a difficult, "fragile" environment with reduced foot traffic and margin pressures from tariffs.

Now, just a month into 2026, reports indicate that a popular brand, known for outdoor apparel and gear and operating in 45 US states and Canada, is preparing to file Chapter 11 bankruptcy and then close all 200+ locations across North America. This includes a total of 17 stores in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

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106-Year-Old Retailer Closing All Stores In North America

The history of Eddie Bauer stores begins in 1920 in Seattle, Washington, when Eddie Bauer started his namesake brand by launching a 15-foot-wide shop focused on tennis racket restringing and sporting goods, after renting space in a local gun store.

Following a near-fatal hypothermia incident in 1923, he pioneered the first quilted down jacket, patenting it in 1940 to provide superior outdoor gear.

At its peak, particularly during its rapid expansion under General Mills and later Spiegel in the 1980s and 1990s, Eddie Bauer grew from a niche outdoor outfitter into a major national lifestyle retailer, operating over 370 stores in North America, comprising both traditional locations and outlets.

However, at the end of 2025 and now into early 2026, Eddie Bauer finds itself in the process of a major brand restructuring, characterized by preparing to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and complete exit from brick-and-mortar retail in North America. That means they will be closing all 200+ of their stores.

However, while Eddie Bauer will exit the U.S. retail market, its stores in Japan will not be impacted. It’s a complicated transaction due to the company’s ownership, according to a report by RetailWire.

Fans of the Eddie Bauer brand in the United States will still be able to get it as the retailer is expected to continue operating online at EddBauer.com and through wholesale channels.

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Minnesota And Wisconsin Eddie Bauer Stores That Will Be Closing

The following stores will soon be closing in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Many stores already have signs indicating store closure and that all inventory is on sale and "must go."

9 Minnesota Stores Closing:

• Albertville
• Bloomington
• Duluth
• Eagan
• Eden Prairie
• Edina
• Medford
• Minnetonka
• Woodbury

8 Wisconsin Stores Closing:

• Apppleton
• Baraboo
• Eau Claire
• Johnson Creek
• Madison
• Oshkosh
• Pleasant Prairie
• Wauwatosa

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