Mothercare defies consumer slowdown as sales soar

Mothercare's UK like-for-likes were ahead 2.9%

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Mothercare saw sales shoot up 31.6% and group like-for-likes rise 3.8% for the 11 weeks to March 29.

Full year sales were up 35.1% to March 29 with total like-for-likes ahead 4.5%. The performance was boosted by the acquisition of the Early Learning Centre which the company bought for £85 million last year.

Mothercare's UK like-for-likes jumped 2.9% during the fourth quarter period, and were up by the same amount for the full year. 

Sales for Direct in Home, Mothercare's mail order and internet business, increased 79.2% in the fourth quarter, with sales for the full year rocketing 106.7%.

The group's international performance was also strong. International sales in the fourth quarter rose 31.3%, with international sales for the full year up 30%. The group opened 77 new franchise stores during the year, giving it a total of 494.

Mothercare chief executive Ben Gordon said: "This is another strong performance for the recently enlarged Mothercare group. The multi-channel UK business has performed well, particularly Direct in Home, and the integration of the Early Learning Centre is on track. International continues its strong momentum."

Mothercare will announce its preliminary results on May 22.