Children’s retailer Mothercare has today released its trading statement covering the 13 weeks to 9th January 2016.
UK figures show that like-for-like sales increased 4.2% in the quarter and online sales rose 11.8% which now represents over a third of total sales in the UK and its gross margin preserved despite the warm weather.
Mothercare also ended with 172 stores (164 Mothercare and eight ELC) and 41 stores were refurbished and continued trading in time for its peak trading period.
On the international side, sales decreased 1.3% in constant currency and dropped 9.5% in actual currently, however Asia, Latin America and Europe benefited from space growth seeing sales increased in constant currencies. The company are continuing to develop space internationally as it opens larger stores with space increasing 5.8% year-on-year with an opening of 12 stores during the quarter.
Chief executive officer of Mothercare plc, Mark Newton-Jones said: "Overall group performance remains in line with market expectations, with our UK performance further improving and International continuing to be challenging."
"In the UK we have delivered healthy like-for-like sale growth, helped by a strong online performance. We maintained our full price approach and entered the end-of-season sale after peak trading, albeit with higher stock levels as a result of the unseasonably warmer weather. Margins have been preserved and remain within our guidance for the full year."
"With our International partners we continue to modernise our business using lessons learnt from the UK and continue to lay down space for the future. However sales are down as we face ongoing economic and currency headwinds."
"We remain firmly focused on our strategy to build our businesses both in the UK and internationally and our vision remains clear - to be the leading global retailer for parents and young children."
