Mothercare driven by soaring multichannel sales

In the 13 weeks to October 13, Mothercare’s group sales were up 38.3 per cent, 5.2 per cent on a like-for-like basis. The UK division reported like-for-like sales up 3.4 per cent.

The results incorporate the 16 weeks since the acquisition of The Early Learning Centre in June, leaving Mothercare’s like-for-likes up 3.9 per cent and the Early Learning Centre up 1.9 per cent. There are now 21 Early Learning Centres trading in Mothercare stores.

Mothercare’s UK store sales in the second quarter were up 0.8 per cent and 0.3 per cent for the first half of the year. On a like-for-like basis, store sales were up 1.7 per cent for the second quarter and 1.2 per cent in the first half.

International sales rose 40.3 per cent or 20.3 per cent on a like-for-like basis. Mothercare opened 29 eponymous stores and 16 Early Learning Centres during the first half.
The retailer has 462 overseas stores in 45 countries.

Mothercare’s group sales in the first half to 28 weeks to October 13 were up 23.8 per cent and 4.7 per cent on a like-for-like basis.

Mothercare chief executive Ben Gordon said the multichannel UK business delivered a “strong performance”.

He added: “Although it is still early days, we are pleased with the progress we have made to date with the integration of the Mothercare and Early Learning Centre businesses. We have already opened 21 Early Learning Centre inserts within Mothercare stores in advance of Christmas, a trading period of increased importance for the enlarged Mothercare group.”