Eddie Bauer is an outdoor-oriented retailer of clothing and accessories. Begun in Seattle, Washington, in 1920 by Eddie Bauer (1899–1986) with a $25 investment, the company that bears his name at first sold only recreational and wilderness gear. Perhaps the most famous product of all was the first quilted down parka, invented by Bauer after a night in 1928 when he nearly froze to death. The down parka has become a staple of winter wear in the United States. Other versions are offered today by companies such as The North Face and Old Navy.

Eddie Bauer equipment has been to Mt. Everest, but since the 1970s, when the company was sold, it has focused on "casual lifestyle" items such as cashmere blazers and home furnishings for its affluent adult customer base. In 2001, the company had over six hundred stores around the globe and was creating enormous revenues while competing with...