Eddie Bauer 548286 220579073 2008-06-20T15:17:04Z Lamro 3636441 9 {{cleanup-rewrite|style is choppy and the timeline might be better as prose|article}} {{Unreferenced|date=January 2008}} {{Infobox_Company | company_name = Eddie Bauer Holdings Inc.| company_logo = [[Image:eddiebauer logo.jpg]]| foundation = [[Seattle, Washington]], [[United States|USA]]| founder = [[Eddie Bauer]]| location_city = Bellevue, Washington,<br /> {{flag|United States}}| key_people = [[McNeil S. Fiske Jr.| Neil Fiske]], President, CEO| num_employees = 10,000 worldwide (2007)| homepage = http://eddiebauer.com/ }} '''Eddie Bauer''' ({{nasdaq|EBHI}}) is a [[clothing]] store chain. Headquartered in [[Bellevue, Washington|Bellevue]], [[Washington (state)|Washington]], and a subsidiary of Eddie Bauer Holdings (formerly Spiegel, Inc.), the company was founded in [[Seattle]] in [[1920]] as "Eddie Bauer's Sport Shop" by its namesake, Eddie Bauer ([[1899]] &ndash; [[1986]]), who invented the first [[down]] [[parka]] in [[1936]]. It was also the first independent company that the United States Army hired and allowed to use a logo on the Army issued uniform (U.S. Design Patent 119,122)[http://pat2pdf.org/pat2pdf/foo.pl?number=d119122]. Bauer retired and sold the company in [[1968]]. [[General Mills]] bought Eddie Bauer in [[1971]], and [[Spiegel]] bought it from General Mills in [[1988]]. In [[2003]], Spiegel, Inc., entered bankruptcy. The Spiegel catalog and all other assets were sold, except for Eddie Bauer. In May 2005, Spiegel, Inc., emerged from bankruptcy under the name "Eddie Bauer Holdings" and owned primarily by [[Commerzbank]]. Eddie Bauer's flagship store is in [[Downtown, Seattle, Washington|downtown Seattle's]] [[Pacific Place (Seattle)|Pacific Place]] mall. Eddie Bauer is also a trim package on several [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]] vehicles, including the [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]] [[Ford Bronco|Bronco]], [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]] [[Ford Explorer|Explorer]], [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]] [[Ford Expedition|Expedition]], [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]] [[Ford Excursion|Excursion]], [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]] [[Ford F-Series|F-Series Pickup]] and the new [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]] [[Ford Taurus X|Taurus X]]. ==Eddie Bauer, Inc. Historical Timeline== ===1920-1945=== In 1920, the first store was established in downtown Seattle and was called Eddie Bauer’s Sport Shop. Eddie Bauer establishes his Creed in 1922: “To give you such outstanding quality, value, service and guarantee that we may be worthy of your high esteem.” The company sets a new retail standard by introducing Unconditional Guarantee, unprecedented at this time. Both the Creed and Guarantee stand today. Eddie Bauer married Christine “Stine” Heltborg on February 21, 1929. Stine was an accomplished sportswoman who was as adept as her husband with rifle or fishing rod. She and Ed were married for 56 years, and he affectionately called her “my wilderness companion.” In 1934, the company secured U.S. and Canadian patents on the Bauer Shuttlecock, a breakthrough in the sporting-goods industry which popularizes the game of badminton in the U.S. Then in 1936, Eddie Bauer manufactures the first-ever quilted goose down insulated garment, the Skyliner jacket. This jacket was carried in stores and in the catalog consistently from 1936 to 1995. It was patented in 1940. Apparel for women was also added around this time. The U.S. Army Air Corp. commissions the Eddie Bauer B-9 Flight Parka in 1940, and more than 50,000 jackets were made and worn for warmth during high altitude flights. And in 1945, Eddie Bauer issued their first mail-order catalog. ===1950-1985=== From 1953 to 1983, Eddie Bauer outfitted notable scientific and exploratory expeditions including the American K-2 Himalayan Expedition (1953), the first international geophysical year scientific expedition in Antarctica (1957), and the American Antarctic Mountaineering Expedition (1966–67). In 1968, company founder Eddie Bauer retired, selling the business to his trusted friend and partner, William Niemi and his son. Also, the first store outside of Seattle opened in San Francisco. The company’s focus shifted in the 1970s from making expedition gear and apparel to casual lifestyle apparel. The emphasis on Women’s Apparel and Accessories was greatly expanded in all stores, as well. In 1971, the company was sold to General Mills. National retail expansion began in earnest. Between 1971 and 1988 Eddie Bauer expanded to 61 stores and $250 million in sales. Eddie Bauer also began a partnership with Ford in 1983 to produce Eddie Bauer Edition Ford vehicles. The first Eddie Bauer Edition Ford rolled off the assembly line in 1984. The partnership would lead to Eddie Bauer Aerostars, Broncos, Bronco II's, Explorers, Expeditions, F-150s, Freestyles, and Taurus Xs. ===1985-1995=== In 1987, Eddie Bauer launched the All Week Long catalog, featuring classically styled fashions for professional and special occasions. The first All Week Long store opens in 1991. Eight more stores open over the next three years. Spiegel purchasesed Eddie Bauer from General Mills in 1988. Aggressive expansion continues, with more than 300 stores being added over the next eight years. In 1989, Eddie Bauer reached a milestone, opening its 100th store. In 1991, Eddie Bauer launched Eddie Bauer Home, a distinctive collection of home furnishings including fine natural wood and upholstered furniture, tableware, decor items and linens. Eddie Bauer launched its first catalog in Germany in 1993. It also expanded internationally with the formation of Eddie Bauer Japan, a joint venture partnership designed to develop and operate Eddie Bauer stores and catalogs in Japan. In 1994, Spiegel launches Distribution Fulfillment Services, Inc. (DFS) in Ohio providing distribution and fulfillment services to both retail and catalog for both Spiegel and Eddie Bauer. The new 1.5-million sq. ft. facility houses one of the largest and most technologically advanced mail-order fulfillment equipment and delivery systems nationwide. Eddie Bauer Japan opens its first three stores in Tokyo and issues its first Japanese catalog. The Extended Sizes program launches via catalog, offering petite, tall and large sizes on all apparel at no additional charge. The Company celebrates 75 years in business in 1995, and publishes a book, The Legend of Eddie Bauer. They forge a new partnership with American Forests in celebration. Eddie Bauer also launches new retail and catalog concept for men and women called AKA EDDIE BAUER. All nine All Week Long stores are converted to AKA EDDIE BAUER by April 1995. AKA EDDIE BAUER offers men’s dress apparel for the first time, plus classic and updated sportswear, shoes and accessories for men and women. The Eddie Bauer Germany joint venture announces to develop and operate Eddie Bauer stores and catalogs in Germany and other European countries. Eddie Bauer also opens a virtual electronic commerce store in the Marketplace on America Online. ===1995-2000=== In 1996, Eddie Bauer launches its proprietary Web site on the World Wide Web: www.eddiebauer.com, establishing a third channel of distribution to complement the retail and catalog divisions. The company launches EBTEK, a unique new product line, including both the EBTEK System of high performance interlocking outerwear, and EBTEK casual activewear. The EBTEK System is comprised of performance fabrics such as Gore-Tex, Polartec 200, and Eddie Bauer Premium Goose Down. Eight new stores open in Japan that year, bringing the total to 14 stores and three outlets. Eddie Bauer Germany also opens two new stores in Germany. Eddie Bauer continues to expand in North America and internationally throughout 1997. The opening of the 500th U.S. store signifies a milestone for Eddie Bauer. Internationally, Eddie Bauer Japan opens 11 new stores, bringing the total to 24 stores in Japan, along with four outlet stores in various locations. In 1997, Eddie Bauer Germany opens five new stores, bringing the total to seven Eddie Bauer stores in Germany. Eddie Bauer enters into a licensing agreement with the Lane Company, offering an exclusive collection of Eddie Bauer HOME by Lane furniture, available through Eddie Bauer HOME stores, catalogs, and via www.eddiebauer.com. In 1998, expansion of Eddie Bauer Sportswear, AKA EDDIE BAUER, and Eddie Bauer Home stores continues to be strong. Over 600 stores are open throughout North America (556), Germany (9), and Japan (32). Eddie Bauer enters into a three-year licensing agreement with Giant Bicycle, Inc. to launch a line of Eddie Bauer Edition mountain bikes for off-terrain and city riding. The arrangement allows Eddie Bauer to serve its consumers’ recreational and active-lifestyle pursuits in the outdoors. Eddie Bauer and Signature Eyewear partner to produce the Eddie Bauer Eyewear collection for men and women. The collection is available in nearly 5,000 optical retailers, optometrists, and ophthalmologists in the U.S. and Canada. Additionally, Eddie Bauer and Cosco, Inc. partner to build upon Eddie Bauer’s "Baby by Eddie Bauer," collection of Eddie Bauer Home merchandise for infants, and Cosco’s leadership in the juvenile products industry. In July 1998, Eddie Bauer launches a limited collection of car seats that will continue to roll out through the spring of 1999, and are available at Target, Sears, J.C. Penney and Babies ’R’ Us, as well as more than 400 independent stores. In 1999, Eddie Bauer implements changes in Eddie Bauer Home and AKA Eddie Bauer apparel. Eddie Bauer Home offers customers an increase in selection of domestic items for the bed and bath while reducing its offering of upholstered furniture and tabletop items. AKA Eddie Bauer merchandise is integrated into the men’s and women’s departments of adjacent Eddie Bauer sportswear stores. Safeco Field, the new home of the Seattle Mariners, signs a two-year sponsorship agreement with Eddie Bauer. The agreement establishes Eddie Bauer as the official apparel sponsor of Safeco Field event staff through the 2000 season. Eddie Bauer Home launches its line of juvenile bedding in Eddie Bauer Home stores, in catalogs and online. Together with enhancements of "Baby by Eddie Bauer," the introduction of the juvenile line creates a complete collection for the entire family. Also in 1999, Eddie Bauer presents American Forests with a check for $2.5 million, representing the 2.5 million trees planted nationally through Eddie Bauer's "Add a Dollar, Plant a Tree" retail program. Eddie Bauer launches new children’s outerwear line, Kid-Size by Eddie Bauer, providing a selection of jackets, parkas, vests, gloves and boots through Eddie Bauer catalogs and at eddiebauer.com. Eddie Bauer’s 100th birthday is celebrated with the culmination of national “Building Cities of Green” tree planting tour, in Seattle, Washington. On October 19th, Eddie Bauer retail stores distribute one-half million trees to customers in honor of company founder. The one-millionth Eddie Bauer Edition Ford rolls off the assembly line. In 2000, Signature Eyewear launches Eddie Bauer performance sunwear featuring Oakley XYZ Optics. National Geographic Ventures joins forces with Eddie Bauer in a multi-media, multi-million-dollar alliance that includes the corporate sponsorship of a new giant screen film on Lewis & Clark. Other elements include a multi-tiered travel alliance and Eddie Bauer sponsored Radio Expeditions, a National Geographic and National Public Radio co-production. Eddie Bauer celebrates its landmark store opening in Honolulu, Hawaii. The new sportswear store completes Eddie Bauer’s entry into all 50 states. Also in 2000, Eddie Bauer launches its first exclusively on-line business venture, eddiebauerkids.com. The website features an innovative assortment of clothing and accessories for children, 5-12 years old. Eddie Bauer launches eddiebaueroutlet.com, eddiebauerhome.com and eddiebauerb2b.com. Eddie Bauer joins forces with American Forests to launch the Wildfire ReLeaf program, established to help in the restoration of land decimated by forest fires in 2000. Eddie Bauer unites its success in retailing and e-tailing by installing plasma screens in the windows of its stores in several major markets. The groundbreaking high tech plasma screens feature 3D technology also available at www.eddiebauer.com. ===2001-Present=== In 2001, Eddie Bauer teams with American Recreation Products (through a licensing agreement) to launch a collection of camping equipment for customers. Included in the collection are sleeping bags, tents, packs, outdoor furniture and more—all inspired by Eddie Bauer himself, and his wilderness adventures in the great Pacific Northwest. In 2001, the collection was available at Target stores. In 2002, the collection is available in Target stores as well as other leading specialty sporting goods retailers throughout the country. Eddie Bauer is awarded the Hispanic College Fund Corporation of the Year award. The NAACP, Washington D.C. Urban League, and the Seattle Urban League award Eddie Bauer with Corporate Sponsorship Awards. Eddie Bauer launches first annual Add a Dollar to Your Local Community Charity program during the Eddie Bauer Associate Giving Campaign. Each of the 550-plus Eddie Bauer stores selected their own local charity to donate the funds raised in their local store. Eddie Bauer associates and customers raised nearly $1,000,000 for the Victims of 9/11. More recently, over the last 2 years, customers have noticed a number of store closings around the country, leaving markets like Boston and Atlanta with only one or two retail locations. The company has recently (as of 2/25/08) revamped and updated the website to be more shopper friendly, which points to more of an online, e-commerce presence. ==External links== North America *[http://www.eddiebauer.com Eddie Bauer] *[http://www.eddiebaueroutlet.com Eddie Bauer Outlet] Asia *[http://www.eddiebauer.co.jp/eb/home/home.aspx Eddie Bauer Japan] Europe *[http://www.eddiebauer.de Eddie Bauer Germany] {{Seattle Corporations}} [[Category:1899 births|Bauer, Eddie]] [[Category:1986 deaths|Bauer, Eddie]] [[Category:Clothing brands]] [[Category:Clothing companies of the United States]] [[Category:Companies based in Bellevue, Washington]] [[Category:Clothing retailers of the United States]] [[de:Eddie Bauer]] [[fr:Eddie Bauer]] [[ja:エディー・バウアー]]