Eddie Bauer

I currently have 3 Eddie Bauer coats, sorry there won’t be a fourth!
I walked into your Michigan Avenue store looking for a Fall and Winter coat. I was quickly greeted by a dancing Salesman performing an act that just wasn’t appropriate for someone trying to make a $ 400 sale. It’s one thing to spend a lot of money on Chinese merchandise with a fancy name, and quite another to go to a store only to find that sizes bigger than 2X are only available by catalog. I won’t buy things I can’t try on! I walked out and may never be back.

My family and I have been avid Eddie Bauer shoppers since I can remember. I still have my Eddie Bauer book bag from the 1^st grade– no lie! All of my heavy duty winter coats and fall outerwear are from Eddie Bauer. They are just my go-​to store for things of that nature. So of course when I look up and realize that I need a new winter coat, one that can be worn more on a daily basis, as opposed to what I call my snow blizzard EB coat that I reserve for psycho-​winter weather that my beloved city has been known for, I know just where to go.
I typically like to go online and browse, before heading to the physical store and trying the item on and purchasing it. Saturday, I met my Dad there, because he said he would split the payment with me. (Love my dad!) When I first went up to the women’s section there was a smiling woman who gave me her name, Gloria, in case I needed anything.
Fast forward to my dad finally arriving and we go upstairs together…
I got the attention of a salesperson to ask questions. I wanted to make sure the coat I had been stalking and researching online was the same as the one I had in my hand. The name was slightly different (use of parka vs. coat) and I just wanted to be completely sure. She responded, «Uh, yeah that’s basically like the same thing.» She said some other ridiculous stuff that made me realize that she may have been recently hired. What stood out was when she said that the coat may be too heavy and hot for Chicago winters. «I mean, that’s more for like, Alaska or something.» Really?! Have you ever lived through a Chicago winter before? Have you ever endured the weather via public transportation?! «Thank you for your help, we’ve got it from here.» She did not understand. «Did you want to look at some other coats?» In my head, I thought «no, I want you away from me.»
I try the coat on, it fits. I like it. Another customer walks up and says, «oh, you’ll love that coat. I just bought the same one. It is so warm.» Thank you, because I thought I was the only one who appreciated warmth in the winter. Then, good olé Gloria comes back around, handing out coupons and her smile. Offering genuine help!
The best part of our visit was when we went to check out and the gentleman on the register, Ben, said that the system was very new and he had never done a split payment on those registers, nor did he think it was possible. That’s funny, because it is about to be the holiday season, and you are sure to receive your share of gift card purchases which tend to be combined with cash or credit cards. My dad and I had two credit cards. The total came to $ 206.70. We told him we just wanted to put half on each card. He said, and this is a quote: «Ok, so like $ 150 on each.» Ummm… «no, half of $ 206.70, is $ 103.35, right?» Because at this time I was almost doubting my own elementary math skills. Then Ben says the best line ever: «I mean, I don’t do math in my head, so I don’t know.» CLASSIC. I am happy to report, Ben trusted our math skills and managed to divide the payment almost completely in half ($ 103 and $ 103.70). Then he started mumbling about us both having to be together should we decide to return the coat and yada, yadda, ya… that’s right, Ben, show us who’s boss. *insert eye roll*
The final straw, was the nasty bathroom with the roll of toilet paper sitting on the floor outside of the stall. I guess it belonged to the stall that was missing toilet paper. I cannot stand a nasty public bathroom. Anyway, the good news is, I got a great coat and Gloria was really helpful and nice.

I usually shop at the Eddie Bauer outlet stores so seeing a «real» store was something of a treat. I didn’t buy anything since everything was pretty expensive — even with a storewide sale going on. The interior is very attractive and the staff was friendly without being overbearing. Everything is laid out simply and efficiently and while I didn’t find any great bargains, it was an enjoyable albeit brief shopping experience. For camping and outdoor goods I prefer to shop at REI — this store hardly compares, but I’ve found the quallity of the clothing to be excellent. Even better when buying things out of season (for those south of the equator trips or saving for the next season…) when many things are drastically marked down.

Seriously some of the BEST customer service on Michigan Avenue. Every associate I have ever come in contact with when causally shopping here have been so helpful and so personable without being overbearing.
The store is always really clean and organized which makes shopping more enjoyable.

Update: The coat that I bought here only days ago was leaking down feathers out of a dime-​size hole on the left sleeve. I knew that life could not go on (sarcasm) until I addressed this. Finding myself near Michigan Avenue and not wanting to be faced with a dwindling array of sizes that surely would have been my fate had I deferred this, I ducked into the store right away. When I went to the second floor and explained the problem, I was pleased that the salespeople immediately responded, doing a stock check. The exact coat that I wanted wasn’t in stock, but I did decide to upgrade slightly from the MicroTherm down shirt to the line’s down sweater – still layerable and much warmer on its own than the down shirt. The transaction was handled in an efficient, pleasant manner and I even scored a $ 20 off coupon for my next purchase. This level of customer service will keep me coming back, as I outfit myself to face another bracing winter.

Got a coat here on our last visit to Chicago and it was awesome. Great selection, amazing deals, and terrific service.
If you are looking for moderately priced outdoorsy-​ish clothes, then this is your best bet!

Store review
Whether you are looking for clothes for the great outdoors or the EB style, this is a great store to shop at located right in the heart of the Mag Mile. This place is perfect in the winter time as they have quite a selection of down jackets to weather the cold weather of chicago. The summer clothes are styling and not priced too much higher than stores out in the suburbs. There is a lot of sales staff around the store waiting to help you out! The store itself spans two levels and has a great view of the Magnificent Mile.
Pros: wide selection of men/​women clothes, good quality, lots of sales staff
Cons: can be expensive when not on sale
Hidden deals: On the second floor by the back entrance, there is a wide selection of sales items. If you time it right you can get what you want for a sharp discount! Also signup for the email club from EB website which occasionally will email you % off coupons

I love Eddie Bauer. I’m surprised that they don’t have a store here in NYC. Once I saw that they have one in Chicago I immediately went it. Some styles are just too plain, but I love the backpacks and accessories that they have. They have a good stock and everything was well organized so you can find what you are looking for. This store had it all and it was well designed. The staff was friendly as well.

Have you looked lately into the Eddie Bauer catalog. I did, and I liked what I saw. Fun everyday clothes to walk fluff. Winter hats, gloves, and warm socks. Have you seen the fun car windshield scrappers that come in different colors and inside a warm fuzzy sleeve so your fingers never get cold? Awesome gift idea.
Inspired by the catolog I headed to the Eddie Bauer on Michigan Ave. Women’s clothing and sales are located on the top floor, where you get a lot of help from firendly sales associates. I tried on fuzzy hats, touched soft socks and looked at warm vests. After 1 hour of browsing I settled on a warm parka and a comfortable outdoors sweater.
Cash register is at the ground level where you also find the men’s section. Here I played with some awesome camping gadgets and almost bought my man polar bear pajamas bottoms. So cute.
Good priced, helpful, extra friendly sales associates and cool clothes. Me likes.

I always make a quick cruise through this Eddie whenever I am shopping the Magnificent Mile. I have found several good sport and polo shirts during summer months and once when I shopped in the winter I found my favorite gloves. They were with me on this visit keeping my hands warm.
It has also, become my whoops I forgot to pack store. I’ve made several stops here to grab an umbrella, appropriate colored belt, light weight jacket and small duffel to pack all the good buys I found on the «MM».
I have always found the staff to be extremely helpful and friendly.

It was part of the obligatory tourist march down Michigan Ave., but there was some decent stuff inside. I didn’t buy anything, but it was a solid, A-​OK, 3 star store.

I have a little confession. I own quite a few EB items: mainly winter outerwear and luggage gear. My jackets and gloves have kept me warm during the randomness that is Chicago weather. Actually, my first winter coat when I moved to Chicago was an Eddie Bauer parka (and I still have it). I could wear a t-​shirt with this jacket and still be warm (enough).
My parents and I own a couple luggage items (i.e. duffel bags and rolling) and think they hold up well. My one rolling bag has been through and seen it all: «missplaced» by American Airlines on route to China as well as being «left behind» by other airlines many times in just the 3+ years I’ve had it. I like comparing it to the trunks in the really bad movie «Joe Vs. the Volcano.» (I’m pretty sure I’m the only one who has seen it. Twice.)
Yeah, EB is no North Face, but as long as I’m warm, dry, and toasty, does it really matter? I think the brand is stepping up its game as far as trying to be fashionable or whatever because I find myself doing a double-​take on some things like trench coats, boots, etc. On its last big store sale, I picked up a few button-​down blouses for work, and they fit surprisingly well. Also, if they don’t have your size, the website offers more (incl. petites and tall) ranges. Oh yeah. I’ve noticed that their sales stuff is reasonably priced that I end up buying for future Christmas presents.

Hehehe… I giggle just at the idea of writing a review for Eddie Bauer, that I used to pronounce with the heaviest German accent possible.
Eeee-​die Bau-​eeeuuurrrr!!!
I used to live downtown and walked by the store a countless number of times. Never went in. EVER. Never dreamed of it. For me, stylish little French chick, it looked way too casual, sporty, outdoorsy, whatever. Not for me anyway.
And then came Valentine’s Day this year. There is nothing romantic behind my visit, it’s just the way it is. Information, dudes. Pure info.
After 6 years and a half spent in the Windy City — I am a changed woman. I am not that little anymore (sad face) and I don’t hesitate to leave my style at the door from time to time for more comfort. America does that to you. It’s fine.
So I was finally ready for a trip inside Eddie. Sales were going on, and my hubby wanted to have a look. So I followed.
I was impressed by the apparent quality of their stuff, and wandered on the second floor. The women department. Oh wow.
And guess what??? I found a great rain/​trench coat for the spring!!! Apple green — it’s the perfect pick-​me-​up color and I am a really happy camper indeed. I throw in warm gloves to survive the end of winter, and voila! DONE.
I think EB could be a regular option for outdoor clothes, winter coats, vests and the such. But not for the rest. At least not for me. I cannot change THAT much!

Eddie Bauer was once a great store but now its pretty tame to me. You can get pretty much the same style and quality of clothing from the Gap, Macy’s or any number of department stores.
I don’t know anyone who considers this a destination place to go shopping. Catalogs even outcompete this place in regards to if not quality but price and definitely for convenience.
They’ve closed so many stores that returning merchandise for one reason or another would be a major headache. Better off donating the stuff that don’t fit to charity than to fight traffic or go out of your way to return.
Shipping by mail is also no picnic because not only do they charge you for shipping but also for tax and shipping takes almost a week or more to arrive.
Just not worth it.

I love this place but have one small criticism. They always have the sizes I need and the styles I like but I do not want to be followed around by the sales staff.
However…being hounded is better than non-​existent

Eddie Bauer ist ein Geschäft, welches sich auf Outdoor Bekleidung für Männer und Frauen spezialisiert hat. Für viele ist dieses Geschäft zu altbacken und es ist wahr wenn man den Laden betritt, wirkt alles ein wenig langsamer fast schon ein wenig eingestaubt!
Doch der schein trügt. Eddie Bauer hat Zubehör für wirklich alle Outdooraktivitäten die man sich vorstellen kann. Eine besonders große Abteilung gibt es für hochalpines Klettern und Bergsteigen.
Gute Angebote gibt es im Bereich Windjacken, Regenequipment, Rucksäcke und Taschen. Wo von man wirklich die Finger lassen kann, sind die Jeans und Hemden diese sind wirklich sehr unmodisch und altbacken!
Die Beratung ist top und die Verkäufer nehmen sich wirklich Zeit für Ihre Kunden. Ebenfalls besteht eine Lebenslange Umtausch-​Garantie für Jacken usw. Wer etwas spezielles im Bereich Outdoor sucht, ist hier sehr gut aufgehoben!

I forgot how much I liked Eddie Bauer before walking in today. They have a great selection of basics for reasonable prices and their service people were not pushy at all. I ended up getting several shirts/​sweaters, and a skirt for a little more than $ 100 which is great considering how much they would have cost at neighboring stores (with crappier quality). I’ll definitely be back for more basics!

I’ve wandered in here about once or twice a year for over a decade and almost always found what I wanted and walked out with a purchase and no complaints. On Saturday I realized three things:
1. I have no idea what is upstairs. There is no sign. I wasted sixty seconds of my life figuring out that the upstairs is the women’s section. Just a few simple signs would help. Maybe I’m a dumbass for not knowing this after so much time, but every other store labels their floors right near the elevators or escalators.
2. Service here has really gone downhill. They used to be very friendly and helpful without being too high-​pressure. In fact, they have completely sold me on purchases that I wouldn’t have made just by offering excellent service and helpful alternative perspectives. On Saturday I couldn’t get anyone to help me. I wanted a simple, white, long-​sleeved t-​shirt but I couldn’t find them anywhere. There was noone to say «Do you need help finding anything?» When I got to the counter to pay for my other item (one of those ice-​scraper mittens – makes a great gift!), the lady did not ask me if I had found everything okay, did not offer me a box, and did not offer me a gift receipt. Her only words were the total and «Sign here.»
3. They really seem to have focused on outerwear this season. I don’t know what that means, but since I am not in the market for Iditarod-​wear, I would prefer a few more shirts and pants. In fact, I’m pretty sure that the new coat section is where the long-​sleeved t-​shirts used to be.

I like Eddie Bauer clothing & try to stop here often to check out their sale & clearance items, but the atmosphere at this location bugs me somewhat because it seems that there is a salesperson stationed every two feet and they are always eyeballing you & ready to pounce. Sales commissions must be a huge portion of their compensation. I much prefer shopping from their web site or catalog, as the catalog will not be asking me every 90 seconds whether I need help finding anything.

This shop is alright, but I miss the former Eddie Bauer Outlet that used to be on Wabash but closed a few years ago. The merchandise is well-​displayed at this shop, but of course the deals were better at the former Outlet.