Today is Simon Calver’s first day as chief executive of Mothercare, and the former Lovefilm boss has a challenge or two on his hands. From deciphering the best way forward in the UK, to continuing international expansion, it’s set to be a demanding job.

There are at least 10 things he’ll need to address in the first few months.

  1. Get off to a good start with Mike Logue. UK managing director Mike Logue will be an important ally in Calver’s attempts to re-energise the UK market, making their working relationship an important one if Mothercare is going to thrive in the long term.
  2. Develop a multichannel offer. Calver will need to bring his online expertise into play, because as with all retailers, the company’s ability to develop this will be key for future growth. Executive chairman Alan Parker has said double digit online growth is expected in the second half of this year, but with the last update showing online sales declined 3.4% in the full year to March 31, there’s some work to do.
  3. Decide on a UK strategy. It’ll be a difficult decision to make, but Calver will need to decide on the best way forward for the UK business beyond its current round of store closures. Whether a franchise route - which it adopts internationally - is the best way to go, or whether it’s best to pull out altogether, the struggling UK side of the business will need attention.
  4. Overhaul the stores. Around 90% of first time mums visit Mothercare stores, but too few are finding something to make them return. Calver will need to revamp the stores to make sure they appeal.
  5. Improve the range.  A large part of Mothercare’s attraction will depend on the product offer – the range will need to be looked at, and Calver will need to ensure it’s on a level with competitors John Lewis, Amazon and Kiddicare.
  6. Foster community. If there’s one consumer group it should be easy to connect with, it’s new parents. Mothercare will need to develop its own online community and perhaps work more closely with sites such as Mumsnet to encourage engagement.
  7. Develop international expansion: As the UK market continues to struggle, Mothercare will rely more on foreign markets to grow. With ambitious plans to open 200 new stores a year, Calver will have plenty to do when it comes to finding and developing new markets.
  8. Focus on costs. As part of its plan to square up to Amazon on price, Mothercare is on a cost cutting drive. Calver will need to manage this carefully, ensuring there is still investment where the business needs it.
  9. Improve service. No retailer with serious long term ambitions can get by without good customer service – especially in the child care sector, where parents often want advice.
  10. Move from cost control to growth. It will be a careful balancing act, but costs can’t be the whole story. Moving Mothercare back into growth will require clever strategic thinking, as well as a head for figures.