Mothercare buoyed by overseas growth

Babycare retailer Mothercare today said group sales were up 4.1% after its international business continued to grow.

The Watford, Herts-based company said like-for-like sales from its UK stores were up 0.7% in the 13 weeks to January 6, but across the group sales were buoyed by growth in its overseas business.

Mothercare, which has more international than domestic outlets – 247 abroad against 232 in the UK – said it planned to open 10 new stores overseas before the end of the year and was trading in line with expectations.

It currently operates in more than 30 countries including, India, Nigeria and Bahrain.