Other Mothers

Other Mothers was a regional retailer focused on buying, selling, and trading gently used children’s clothing, maternity wear, toys, and baby gear. The company began in 1979 in Phoenix, Arizona, with a mission to offer families affordable options while encouraging the reuse of quality goods. Over the following decades, Other Mothers expanded throughout the Southwest, reaching more than a dozen stores at its peak in the early 2000s, primarily in Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada.

Known for its community-oriented approach, Other Mothers hosted local events and supported family-focused charities, building strong ties with neighborhoods and positioning itself as a trusted destination for families seeking value. As of January 2022, the chain had scaled back to just three locations, including its flagship store in Phoenix. This contraction was a response to mounting competition from national resale chains and online marketplaces, which gradually eroded its physical footprint.

In the five years leading up to its closure, Other Mothers shifted away from expansion and began closing stores, a process accelerated by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and broader market pressures. By late 2022, the company had ceased operations, with its website and remaining stores closing permanently.

Throughout its history, Other Mothers demonstrated adaptability in second-generation retail spaces, often occupying strip centers and neighborhood shopping plazas. The brand’s legacy is marked by its role in popularizing the children’s resale format in the Southwest and its ability to operate successfully in a variety of retail environments.