Mothercare yesterday gave a positive update on first-quarter performance, saying UK busi-ness had shown resilience.
The maternity and baby goods retailer, which last year acquired the Early Learning Centre (ELC) in an £85 million deal, said UK like-for-like sales were up one per cent in the 15 weeks to July 11. Total group sales saw an increase of 20.7 per cent after the acquisition.
Sales at Mothercare's Direct in Home online and catalogue arm were up 77.7 per cent, 27.5 per cent when the impact of the ELC buy is smoothed out. Mothercare chairman Ian Peacock said: "We are pleased to report a positive first-quarter performance for the Mothercare group, reflecting the strength of the Mother-care and Early Learning Centre brands in the UK and around the world. The multi-channel UK business has shown resilience in a slow economic environment, strengthened by the successful Direct operations.
Mr Peacock added the integration of the Early Learning Centre and reshaping of the combined property portfolio were progressing well.
He said Mothercare's international business was going from strength to strength, driven by strong franchisee like-for-like sales and 32 new store openings, including the opening of its first store in China.
Mothercare has used a joint venture to enter the Chinese market, with the country's largest manufacturer of childcare products Goodbaby. The group also said like-for-like sales in its international franchises were up nine per cent.
Since the ELC acquisition in May last year, Mothercare has been working on a plan to optimise the company's property portfolio.
smoothed out. Mothercare chairman Ian Peacock said: "We are pleased to report a positive first-quarter performance for the Mothercare group, reflecting the strength of the Mother-care and Early Learning Centre brands in the UK and around the world. The multi-channel UK business has shown resilience in a slow economic environment, strengthened by the successful Direct operations.
Mr Peacock added the integration of the Early Learning Centre and reshaping of the combined property portfolio were progressing well. ..SUPL:
