Mothercare targeting overseas markets

Babycare retailer Mothercare today said strong growth overseas would offset a “more challenging” consumer climate in the UK this year.

The company hailed a record year for its international arm after sales jumped 21% to £490.9m (€568m), helped by the launch of Mothercare in Australia and the Early Learning Centre in South Africa.

Mothercare – which now has 1,115 stores in 52 countries – saw its fourth successive year of like-for-like sales growth in the UK but is “planning cautiously” for more sluggish conditions as shoppers feel the squeeze.

Underlying annual profits for the year to March 31 rose 17% to £52m (€60m), in line with City forecasts.