Eddie Bauer launched EB Custom – a mass customization platform – Monday to offer consumers the ability to design up to 1 million configurations of its MicroTherm jacket online
and via kiosks at eight of its stores.
The announcement marked the first step toward an expanded custom program for 2016.
“With the launch of EB Custom, we are extending our expertise in the creation of premium-quality, technical down outerwear to empower consumers to design a jacket that reflects their individuality,” said Eddie Bauer CEO Mike Egeck. In 2011, the MicroTherm jacket was crafted by Eddie Bauer's world-class guide team for maximum versatility and performance in high alpine mountaineering.
The MicroTherm jacket, shown to the right, features a slim, active fit with stretch panels, 800 fill StormDown insulation, and ultra-lightweight DWR ripstop shell fabric. With EB Custom, Eddie Bauer continues its legacy of innovation by enabling consumers to now design their own award-winning MicroTherm jacket in their own unique style.
With more than 1 million possible design combinations, the EB Custom interactive online platform will bring the customer's MicroTherm design to life as they work through the 11 distinct areas that can be fully customized by color and pattern including: shoulder, body, inner lining, side stretch panels, zipper, and logos. For even more personalization, customers can add a monogram to the upper right chest and/or sleeve of the jacket as well as monogram an interior label. The jacket is available in both a hooded ($279) and non-hooded ($249) version for both him and her. And like all Eddie Bauer products, EB Custom MicroTherm Jackets are guaranteed for life.
Designs can be saved allowing customers to modify and perfect their jacket before purchase. Once an order has been placed, customers will have the option to socialize their design on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and be highlighted in Eddie Bauer's inspirational design gallery.
All EB Custom MicroTherm Jackets will now include down that is certified to meet the Responsibility Sourced Down standard. Allied Feather & Down, a long-time partner and supplier of the premium 800-fill StormDown used in the original MicroTherm Jacket, recently launched a Track My Down program where down used in a garment is now traceable on TrackMyDown.com website. For customers who order a Custom MicroTherm, their jacket will feature a unique lot number on the hangtag to track the history, origin, natural properties, and quality of the down inside their jacket.
Eddie Bauer is offering the EB Custom MicroTherm Jacket via Eddiebauer.com/custom and via in-store design kiosks in eight locations: Fifth Avenue (NYC), Post St (SF), Park Meadows (CO), Fashion Place (UT), Oakbrook (IL), Bellevue Square (WA), Natick (MA) and Easton (OH).
