International and online boosts Mothercare

Mother and baby high street retailer Mothercare has announced its 15th consecutive quarterly growth, revealing its total group sales were up 5.6% in the 4th quarter ended March 28.

The international retailer revealed this morning it gained a 6.9% uplift in total group sales over the full financial year in a trading update announced this morning (April 2).

The brand’s UK sales were expected to benefit from the collapse of Woolworth’s during the crucial Christmas trading period. It reported its UK like for like sales rose by 3.7% in the fourth quarter and 1.4% over the full year.

Meanwhile the retailer, which also owns The Early Learning Centre, reported its total international sales jumped by 40% in the 4th quarter, due to expansion, while its like for like sales outside of the UK rose by 6% for the full year.

It also says its online direct sales have been boosted by the expansion of its online brand gurgle.com.

Chief executive Ben Gordon says: “UK sales have been boosted by robust performances from the Direct business and the Early Learning Centre inserts now in 84 Mothercare stores, and both brands have gained market share in the quarter.”

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