Mothercare has posted an uplift in UK like-for-likes and a rise in international sales.
The baby and maternity specialist said UK like-for-likes in the 13 weeks to October 11 were up 0.5 per cent, while international like-for-likes advanced 8 per cent. International retail sales were up 7.6 per cent.
Total UK sales were down 2.6 per cent during the period as a result of planned space reduction. Its multichannel arm, Direct in Home, recorded a sales uplift of 25.1 per cent during the period. Total group sales during the period were up 0.3 per cent.
The performance represents a UK like-for-like increase in Mothercare’s first half up 0.8 per cent. Group turnover climbed 9.9 per cent in the first half, but only 0.5 per cent on a pro-forma basis, treating Early Learning Centre – acquired in June last year – as if it had been owned for the entire first half this year and last.
Chief executive Ben Gordon said Mothercare’s UK business was “resilient in a slow market” during the second quarter.
He said: “We are managing the business tightly and despite the issues in the wider economy, we enter the second half benefiting from the strength of our two international brands and our positive cash position.”
During the first half, the retailer opened 78 stores, including its first two stores in China, giving it 572 stores in 49 countries.
Teathers analyst Paul Deacon said: “Although the UK is a little softer than Q1, these broad trends are similar to those experienced recently and represent a solid performance in the face of difficult circumstances.”
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