Destination Maternity

Destination Maternity, founded in 1982, quickly became a prominent name in the maternity apparel industry in the United States. Known for its brands like Motherhood Maternity and A Pea in the Pod, the company offered a wide range of clothing, accessories, and nursing products tailored to the needs of expectant mothers. At its height in the early 2010s, Destination Maternity operated over 1,000 locations nationwide, including standalone stores and shop-in-shop concepts within major department stores.

However, by October 2019, the company faced significant challenges, leading to a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. Factors such as declining sales and changing consumer preferences contributed to this decision. Shortly after, in December 2019, Marquee Brands acquired Destination Maternity's intellectual property and e-commerce assets, marking a pivotal shift in the company's operations.

As of November 2025, Destination Maternity has transitioned to a primarily digital presence. The brands are now sold online and through select wholesale partnerships, with no current plans for reopening standalone retail locations. This shift underscores the company's adaptation to the evolving retail landscape, focusing on leveraging its strong brand recognition and specialized product offerings in a digital-first environment.

For commercial real estate professionals, Destination Maternity's journey from a vast physical retail footprint to a streamlined online operation highlights the dynamic nature of specialty retail and the necessity for adaptability in response to market changes.