International sales up, but UK performance is flat
A strong international performance has boosted figures at Mothercare despite flat UK sales, according to a trading update issued today.

Total international sales were up 20.1 per cent for the year to April 1, compared with a 0.9 per cent rise in the UK. Overall group sales were up 3.9 per cent.

UK like-for-like sales fell by 0.3 per cent for the year, although they were up 0.2 per cent for the 12 weeks to April and by an estimated 1.2 per cent after adjusting for a late Easter.

The group said its UK business grew steadily and added that a strong performance by its Direct arm confirmed the importance of its multi-channel strategy. It expects the market to remain challenging and said rising costs are likely to still be an issue.

Mothercare continued to expand its international business last year, adding 46 franchises during the year.

The group will announce its preliminary results on May 24.

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