Destination Maternity posts an increase in e-commerce sales

In Marla Ryan's first quarter at the helm of Destination Maternity Corp., the Moorestown company reported an increase in year-over-year e-commerce sales as the retailer markets to a digitally native generation who are becoming mothers, the retailer said Monday.

In effort to continue it digital momentum, Destination Maternity, which emerged from a proxy fight last spring, said it will introduce faster shipping, among other measures, to cater to the millennial mothers.

In the quarter ended Aug. 4, the company reported an increase in comparable-store sales, partially offsetting an overall 1.9 percent decrease in net sales to $96.4 million from 98.3 million last year after the company closed 27 retail stores.

At around noon Monday, Destination's shares were worth $4.50 on Nasdaq, up 19 cents, or 4.4 percent.

Ryan, who became the company's chief executive in May, said in June that she was spending her early days in the  new role developing a business plan to expand e-commerce, prioritize inventory optimization and include new partnerships.

After a few months of leading the company, she said Monday that the "brick and mortar business is stabilizing as we are actively realigning our product offering and shifting inventory towards more evergreen styles to increase conversion and drive sales. We are confident the right steps are being taken to position the business for future success."