Mothercare sales dip in tough market
Overall performance ‘resilient’ insists Gordon
Mothercare has seen its recent healthy sales growth stall in the tough UK sales environment over Christmas.
In the 13 weeks to January 7, total UK store sales decreased by 0.6 per cent year-on-year, with UK store like-for-like sales down by 0.8 per cent. Across the eight weeks to January 7, UK store sales decreased by 1.1 per cent with like-for-likes down 1.6 per cent.
Mothercare said full year margins are likely to be in line with its expectations, with the winter sales going well and end of season stock levels tightly controlled.
Ben Gordon, chief executive said: “Our overall performance is resilient in the tougher trading environment. Our underlying gross margins continue to improve. We went on sale in accordance with our plans for the Christmas period and have managed our seasonal stock levels well.
“In addition, we have kept a tight control on costs. The business is in good shape going forward and we are confident of making further progress.”
