Eddie Bauer鈥檚聽聽has become a staple in the outdoor industry鈥攁nd in聽国产吃瓜黑料聽magazine. From the Gear of the Year award-winning聽Neoteric shell聽to the coveted聽Bacon pack, we鈥檝e been impressed by the company鈥檚 innovation and guide-tested apparel.
So when the news broke this morning that menswear retailer聽聽for a hefty $825 million, we wondered: What exactly does this mean for Eddie Bauer?聽
Not a lot, actually.
鈥淔or First Ascent specifically, I don鈥檛 really expect much to change,鈥 says a source familiar with Golden Gate Capital, which owns Eddie Bauer. 鈥淛os. A. Bank is very supportive of the Eddie Bauer First Ascent strategy, which really focuses on partnerships with top athletes and guides.鈥
After the acquisition, Eddie Bauer will operate as a separate company under current CEO Mike Egeck. 鈥淲e are very proud of what we have achieved by refocusing Eddie Bauer on its heritage in serving outdoor enthusiasts and leveraging innovation and product expertise,鈥 Egeck said in a press release. 鈥淲e are excited to join forces and accelerate our progress.鈥
According to the source above, Eddie Bauer hopes to open more stores in the U.S., as well as expand into Western Europe and Asia. 鈥淔rom Eddie Bauer鈥檚 perspective, now they鈥檙e part of a larger platform, they鈥檙e part of a bigger business, they鈥檙e trying to execute on their retail strategy.鈥
Which means more great gear for us鈥攃heck out a few of our favorite items in the Summer聽Buyer鈥檚 Guide, on newsstands mid-April. 聽