Mothercare encouraged despite slow sales

Mothercare reported slowing growth in its fourth quarter today, but failed to update on its individual divisions.

The retailer sells maternity, baby, and children's clothes; nursery equipment; and toys at more than 400 stores.

Most stores are in Britain with more than a third franchised in other parts of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

The group said like-for-like sales for the 11 weeks to March 27 were up 4.7%, less than the 5.9% rise in like-for-like sales for the year as a whole.

Ben Gordon, chief executive said: "We are encouraged with this performance which reflects the improvements we are making, particularly in product quality and availability."

Earlier this year newspaper speculation alleged that the group experienced a massive slump in sales, particularly in children's clothing, but the high street retailer denied the claims, but investors will have to wait until May to see the how the figures break down.