UK posts modest growth
Baby and maternitywear chain Mothercare revealed modest UK sales growth but that the international business was booming, in the 28 weeks ending October 14.

Group sales were up 5.6 per cent to£264.3 million compared with£250.4 million last year. Pre-tax profits increased 12.3 per cent to£12.8 million compared with£11.4 million last year.

Mothercare's UK sales rose 2 per cent to£220.2 million from£215.9 million last year. This also included home shopping sales, which rose 15 per cent to£11.5 million compared with£10 million last year. UK like-for-like sales climbed 1.9 per cent.

International growth was strong, with a sales increase of 27.8 per cent to£44.1 million and franchise like-for-like sales were up 9 per cent.

In the first half, Mothercare opened one UK store, re-sited two, closed three and downsized twolarger outlets, in Cardiff and Reading. According to the retailer, this was a result of a more 'efficient use of space'.

Mothercare chief executive Ben Gordon said: 'The UK business has performed well in what remains a difficult and volatile trading environment. We are delighted with our international business, which as of today (November 16) comprises 307 stores. We expect international to continue to grow strongly and, despite a challenging UK market, we believe we are well placed as we look to the second half.'