Mothercare UK sales fall as global soars

15th Jul 2010 07:14

Mother and baby retailer Mothercare reported a 4.1% decline in first quarter UK like for like sales while international sales soared 20.3%.Overall group sales were up 0.4% during the 15 weeks ended 10 July.The group said the UK environment remained challenging, and the first quarter results were against strong comparatives of 5.1% growth the same time last year.Mothercare, which has 1,167 stores in 53 countries, said its strategy of focusing on the global expansion of the Mothercare and Early Learning Centre brands, whilst restructuring the UK business through our property strategy, continues to deliver results. "We have once again seen strong growth in International," said chairman Ian Peacock. International saw particularly strong growth in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australasia. "In the UK we continue to plan cautiously for the remainder of this year. Despite the uncertain UK consumer environment we remain well placed to deliver on our global strategy," Peacock added.Mothercare also announced the acquisition of maternity wear brand Blooming Marvellous for an undisclosed sum.