Eddie Bauer and Airstream Partner to Fuel America's Spirit of Adventure

SEATTLE, Oct. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Iconic American brands Eddie Bauer and Airstream have teamed up to build a special edition travel trailer, the Eddie Bauer Edition Airstream, and to develop premium co-branded items for 2011. The two companies, with more than 160 years of combined experience building quality products for the adventurous outdoor lifestyle, see significant synergies.

By combining Eddie Bauer's heritage as The Original Outdoor Outfitter® and Airstream's focus on functional durability, the brands will target travelers who love to explore the outdoors in style. The special edition travel trailer will include a rear sport hatch to allow for easy access to gear and equipment and to "let the outside in."  It will also include finishing touches such as exterior protective cladding and unique interior surfaces, flooring and Eddie Bauer bedding.

"Airstreamers, like Eddie Bauer customers, have come to expect superior construction and design, and now with the Eddie Bauer Airstream we've added some special features that will appeal to their adventurous spirit," said Bob Wheeler, president and CEO of Airstream. "The rear sport hatch allows Airstreamers to live the Eddie Bauer lifestyle, enjoying the outdoors as often as possible."

Discriminating customers aren't the only things Eddie Bauer and Airstream have in common. Each brand was founded in the U.S. by one man with a singular dream. Eddie Bauer founded his sport shop in Seattle in 1920 and within a year had his own storefront and quickly became a renowned outfitter and innovator. Wally Byam created the first Airstream in 1931, and in doing so created a new way of life shared by thousands upon thousands of families.

"Eddie Bauer and Wally Byam were visionary innovators for the American outdoor lifestyle in the early 1900s," said Neil Fiske, president and CEO of Eddie Bauer. "From the first down jacket patented in the U.S. to the first self-contained trailers built in the country, they believed in creating quality products to make an adventurous life more accessible for everyone."

The relationship between Eddie Bauer and Airstream first began in 2009 when Eddie Bauer launched First Ascent, its line of world-class expedition gear. The company wrapped a custom-built Airstream PanAmerica in the First Ascent logo and its sponsored ski guides drove the trailer across the country, chasing the best snow conditions from Tahoe to Haines, Alaska. The relationship continued to evolve and will result in the special edition travel trailer, along with co-branded apparel and other gear due out next year.

In addition to outfitting generations of fishermen, hunters, climbers and mountaineers on some of America's major expeditions, Eddie Bauer has a long history of working with companies in a number of industries to license products, including the automotive space. Most notably, the company partnered with Ford Motor Company more than 25 years ago to feature the Eddie Bauer edition premium trim package on several models of Ford pickups, sport utilities and minivans. The Eddie Bauer Edition Airstream will be featured in Eddie Bauer's holiday gift catalog which arrives in mailboxes on November 8, 2010.

About Eddie Bauer

Established in 1920 in Seattle, Eddie Bauer is a specialty retailer that sells sportswear, outerwear, gear and accessories for the active outdoor lifestyle. The Eddie Bauer brand is a nationally recognized brand that stands for high quality, innovation, style and customer service. Eddie Bauer products are available at approximately 358 stores throughout the United States and Canada, through catalog sales and online at eddiebauer.com.

About Airstream

Airstream, maker of the iconic "silver bullet" travel trailer, is the oldest recreational vehicle manufacturer in North America. Following founder Wally Byam's credo, "Let's not make changes, let's only make improvements" Airstream has remained a timeless classic. A division of Thor Industries, Airstream is based Jackson Center, Ohio where a team of experts remain dedicated to preserving the brand's legendary reputation for quality and innovation. For more information, please visit www.Airstream.com, call 877-596-6111 or contact Airstream, Inc., 419 West Pike Street, P.O. Box 629, Jackson Center, Ohio 45334.

SOURCE Eddie Bauer