Coldwater Creek

Coldwater Creek is a retailer specializing in women's apparel and accessories, celebrated for its casual and comfortable styles aimed at mature female customers. The company was founded in 1984 in Sandpoint, Idaho, beginning its journey as a direct mail catalog business. Over the years, it expanded into e-commerce and established a significant presence in physical retail. By the early 2000s, Coldwater Creek had opened hundreds of stores across the United States, cultivating a dedicated customer base.

However, financial difficulties led to a bankruptcy filing in 2014, after which the brand was acquired by Sycamore Partners, a private equity firm known for revitalizing retail brands. During Sycamore's tenure, Coldwater Creek focused primarily on direct-to-consumer e-commerce, maintaining a limited number of physical stores. In 2020, the brand underwent another transition when Newtimes Group, a Hong Kong-based procurement and supply chain company, acquired its assets. This acquisition marked a new chapter for Coldwater Creek, influencing its operational strategy and ownership structure.

As of November 2025, Coldwater Creek operates predominantly as an online-first retailer, with a modest but strategically expanding number of physical locations. These stores are mainly situated in outlet and specialty centers, reflecting a selective approach to physical retail expansion. The company has not announced significant new store openings for 2025, indicating a cautious growth posture. Coldwater Creek continues to maintain a national presence through its robust e-commerce platform and catalog offerings.

The brand's current focus is on key markets such as Florida, Texas, California, and the Midwest. Its careful selection of store formats and locations makes Coldwater Creek an appealing tenant for landlords and developers looking for established retail brands with a strong direct-to-consumer foundation.