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A warm boost from the Army Company founder Eddie Bauer opened his first store in downtown Seattle in 1920. The company soared during World War II, when the U.S. Army Corps commissioned a standing order for more than 50,000 Eddie Bauer B-9 Flight Parkas. The soldiers spread the word about the comfy jackets, and Eddie Bauer opened its first mail-order service in 1945. Finding the right fit Eddie Bauer was first bought by General Mills in 1971 and purchased again in 1988 by the German-based mail order company, Spiegel. Under Spiegel, Eddie Bauer has pursued expansion aggressively, including overseas ventures in Germany and Japan. The company is currently organized into four major retail and catalog divisions, which serve over 100 million customers worldwide from the comfort of their homes. The company's retail division is comprised of Eddie Bauer Sportswear, Eddie Bauer Home, AKA Eddie Bauer, and Eddie Bauer Outlets. Expanding out o' doors The company tackled the 1990s with expansion into new product lines and new locations. In 1994, the company also went "virtual," opening up a store in Time Warner's cybermall, DreamShop. The company celebrated its 75th anniversary in 1995, publishing a new book, The Legend of Eddie Bauer, and forging a new partnership with American Forests. The same year, the company launched the A/K/A Eddie Bauer catalog, a new line of men's and women's dress casualwear. In 1997, it opened its 500th store in North America, and continued its overseas expansion. His name is my name too After a disastrous year in 1998, when the company ventured away from its classic heritage by filling its stores with garishly colored merchandise, Eddie Bauer realized the value of its image. The company has been capitalizing on that cache through an alternate strategy - co-branding. In 1994, the company shook hands with Ford Motor to put out a deluxe Eddie Bauer version of the Explorer, which have sold like hotcakes - Ford recently rolled the millionth Eddie Bauer explorer off the assembly line. EB has since slapped its signature on other rough n' tough products like Giant bicycles and Oakley sunglasses and is sponsoring ventures by National Geographic. In more sobering news, Eddie Bauer has scrapped plans for Eddie Bauer UK, citing a lack of interest by the British market.
Eddie Bauer's job hotline and web site both list current openings. The company also conducts college recruiting; consult the web site for a schedule. Eddie Bauer is well known for the preparation it offers "associates" through the Eddie Bauer University training program. The "university" offers more than 70 different courses, each designed to enhance a variety of essential professional skills. Most corporate positions require extensive applicable experience. The company accepts resumes by both regular mail and fax, but those interested in working at a retail location should apply in situ.
Northwest-inspired office culture Eddie Bauer has a "professional but laid-back" work environment, where the attire "ranges from jeans to suits." One insider notes, "The corporate culture is pretty relaxed. Everyone calls the CEO by his first name [it's Rick], and it tends to be a pretty young group (20?s to mid-40's).? Unfortunately, some suggest that annual pay raises are almost as relaxed. Employees say that the company hires new employees at a competitive salary but offers "yearly increases below many other companies." In addition, one insider warns, "The Seattle area is quite expensive, so make sure you figure that into things." Eddie Bauer does compensate its employees in other ways, with perks such as a company gym, "half-days" during the summer, and even on-site laundry services. Other perks include 401(k) plans, profit sharing, a company cafe, and new and modern facilities. Hours vary department, but the seasonal crunches that typify the retail industry do apply. Comfortable and supportive Relations with upper management are top notch. "We get regular feedback from management on our performance. With most companies you're lucky if you get a review once a year," says one insider. The company has won several awards for its female-friendly policies, including adoption assistance, lactation rooms, and two-week paid parental leave. "The company believes in achieving a balance between work and family," says one insider. "Women are really treated as equals." In addition, one reports, "There is a good mix of all ages and nationalities. The treatment of women and minorities is the best I've seen at any company." The company's university receives high praise, with classes in negotiation, cultural diversity training, and computer classes. The company sponsors activities including sea kayaking, hiking trips, whale watching trips, and skiing.
Human Resources
Abercrombie & Fitch;American Eagle Outfitters; More Company Profiles For more career information, go to Vault.com ©2000, Vault.com Inc
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