A Pea in the Pod makes store comeback via Leap
A Pea in the Pod has returned to brick-and-mortar retailing.
The specialty retailer of luxe maternity apparel and accessories has opened two “concept” stores, including an 1,800-sq.-ft. location in Chicago’s Bucktown area. The other is a 900-sq.-ft. shop on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.
In October 2019, the parent company of A Pea in the Pod, Destination Maternity, filed for bankruptcy, and the specialty brand subsequently closed all its locations. (The company and its sister brand, Motherhood Maternity, were acquired by Marquee Brands at the end of 2019.)
In addition to the two concept stores, the company said it will be opening a “handful” of stores in its top populated customer locations across the United States.
"Prior to the pandemic all our retail locations were closed, and since then, we've been focusing our efforts on offering moms and expecting moms-to-be a robust digital shopping experience that's accessible and convenient,” said Marla Ryan, executive VP, A Pea in the Pod and Motherhood Maternity. “However, we understand we have a unique customer who appreciates the opportunity to shop and try-on clothing in person, as her body changes throughout pregnancy and post-partum."
A Pea in the Pod partnered with Leap, which offers brands a turnkey platform for opening stores, on the Chicago and New York locations. Earlier this year, Ashley Stewart opened two pop-up locations in collaboration with Leap.
"Having a physical retail presence is incredibly important these days and we're thrilled to enable A Pea in the Pod's return to omnichannel retail in their core markets of Chicago and New York City," added Amish Tolia, Leap co-founder and co-CEO.
The new stores carry an assortment of luxe maternity and nursing styles from leggings to bras, including designer offerings from AG, 7 for All Mankind and others, along with complimentary bra fittings. A few of the most popular styles from Motherhood Maternity are also offered.
"We will continue to listen and learn from our customers as we explore additional store locations in collaboration with Leap's retail platform, who has helped us bring our digital brand to life quickly in physical stores allowing us to be an omnichannel retailer again," added Ryan. 'It's important to select the right locations where our customers want to shop with us as we continue building our motherhood community."