Final answer:
Eddie Bauer's business success was due in part to its 100% customer satisfaction guarantee, which built customer trust and competitive advantage. Branding strategies and adapting to economic changes are also key to business longevity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Eddie Bauer's business managed to turn the corner primarily due to the implementation of a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. This guarantee played a crucial role in fostering trust and loyalty among customers, creating a competitive edge in the marketplace. The success of such guarantees in business history can be seen with companies such as Sears, which used a similar money-back guarantee to stimulate consumer desire and trust.
Moreover, using strong branding strategies, as seen with Abercrombie & Fitch's "casual luxury" slogan, helps drive a company's image and sales. Lastly, staying competitive sometimes requires difficult decisions, as illustrated by Levi Strauss & Co.'s factory closures to remain profitable, highlighting the complexity of sustaining a business in a changing economic landscape.