They say the third time is supposed to be charmed but in this case it’s more like three strikes and you’re out. The third bankruptcy filing for this iconic outdoor apparel and home brand founded in 1920 is likely to be the last time and that’s a sad moment. For a long time, Eddie Bauer was one of the strongest names in this space, right up there with LL Bean, North Face and Patagonia. But a succession of owners who lost their way telling a wonderful origin story while loading on the debt in the process sent Bauer off into the retail wilderness. The label will no doubt stick around but in other people’s stores. It just goes to show that no matter how compelling a brand name is, it can crash and burn.  After chapter 33 you can put this story down…for good.