Early Learning Centre helps Mothercare sales
Integration of the Early Learning Centre progressing well.
Group sales in the 11 weeks ending 29 March 2008 rocketed by 31.6 per cent and by 3.9 per cent on a comparable basis. Full year sales leapt by 35 per cent and by 4.5 per cent on a comparable basis. UK sales rose 36.1 per cent and 2.7 per cent respectively. UK like for like sales improved by 2.9 per cent. International sales in the fourth quarter were up 31.3 per cent (+ 10.1% on a comparable basis) and full year international sales were up 30.0% (up 14.6 per cent on a comparable basis). Ben Gordon, Chief Executive said ‘This is another strong performance for the recently enlarged Mothercare group, which is benefiting from our strategy of developing Mothercare as the world’s
leading specialist parenting brand.
‘The multi-channel UK business has performed well, particularly Direct in Home, and the integration of the Early Learning Centre is on track. International continues its strong momentum, further strengthened by the addition of the Early Learning Centre brand, with a total of 494 franchise stores operating today in
48 countries.’
