Lane Bryant is a subsidiary of the Ascena Retail Group, the public company that also runs Dressbarn, Justice, Maurices and Catherines. The subsidiary is operated out of a headquarters location in Columbus, Ohio, and was founded by designer Lena Himmelstein Bryant Malsin back in 1901. Today, there are more than 700 Lane Bryant retail locations in 46 states. Although Lane Bryant was originally founded as a maternity wear brand, the retailer is now best known as a store catering to plus size women. All of the fashions available at Lane Bryant stores are also offered at the e-commerce store LaneBryant.com.