Mothercare Sees Sales Growth

Like-for-like sales at Mothercare have grown 4.7 per cent across the 11 weeks to March 27. Total sales were reported to be up 22 per cent.

In a trading statement on the full year to March 27, the mother-and-baby goods retailer reported a strong recovery implemented under chief executive Ben Gordon, who joined the business in December 2002 at a time when its was struggling with low sales and distribution problems.

Across the full year, total UK store sales are up 3.1 per cent, with like-for-like sales up 5.9 per cent. Mothercare said it high street store refit programme is progressing well, with 35 stores now revamped and performing ahead of the chain as a whole. The Direct home shopping and International businesses also 'continue to perform well'.