Mothercare sees sales rise

Mothercare saw group sales rise 4.1 percent during the 13 week period ended 6 January and 3.3. percent during the 41 weeks to 6 January, thanks to strong trading at its international stores. “Our winter sale and end-of-season stock clearance are proceeding in the line with plans,” said the baby goods retailer. “Gross margins are anticipated to be in line with expectations. We expect the overall market to remain challenging in the coming months and whilst trading performance has been satisfactory to date, we face continuing pressure from rises in occupancy, employee and utility costs.”

UK sales rose 2.3 percent during the 13 weeks ended 6 January compared with the year before. Meanwhile, international sales for the period soared 18 percent, boosted by franchisee same-store sales and new store openings.