Mothercare boosted by overseas growth

Mothercare today reported a 22% jump in half-year profits after “exceptional” growth in its overseas business offset a challenging UK and Irish market.

The retail chain, which has 1,217 stores in 54 countries, said total sales rose 7.5% to £590.2m (€695m) in the six months to October 9 and helped underlying profits improve to £12.2m (€14.4m) in the period.