Mothercare Regulatory News (MTC)

11 Jan 2006 07:00

Mothercare PLC11 January 2006 11 January 2006 MOTHERCARE PLC TRADING UPDATE Mothercare plc today issued the following update on trading in respect of the 13weeks to 6 January 2006. Group performance Group sales for the 13 weeks to 6 January 2006 were up 4.1%, and for the 41weeks to 6 January, up 3.3%. Our business has traded well in the period showingthe benefits of improved product ranges, better customer service and ourmulti-channel focus. Growth in our International business has continuedstrongly. UK performance 13 Weeks to 41 Weeks to 6 January 6 JanuaryTotal UK sales % +2.3% +1.4%UK store sales % +1.4% +0.9%UK store sales like-for-like % +0.7% -0.5% For the 13 week period to 6 January 2006, total UK sales increased by 2.3%compared to the same period last year, with UK store like-for-like sales up by0.7%. Our winter sale and end of season stock clearance are proceeding in line withplan. Gross margins are anticipated to be in line with expectations. We expect theoverall market to remain challenging in the coming months and whilst tradingperformance has been satisfactory to date, we face continuing pressure fromrises in occupancy, employee and utility costs. International International sales for the 13 weeks to 6 January 2006 have increased by 18%.Growth continues to be driven by a combination of positive franchisee like forlike sales and new store openings. Ben Gordon, Chief Executive said: "This is an encouraging trading performance and reflects the benefits of theactions we have taken and Mothercare's position as a specialist retailer. Wehave started our UK winter sale in line with plan and are managing our seasonalstocks well. Our international expansion continues with a further 10 new storesexpected to open before the year end." Mothercare expects to make a pre-close statement on 6 April 2006 ahead of itspreliminary results announcement for the 53 weeks to 1 April 2006. Enquiries to: Mothercare plcBen Gordon, Chief Executive 01923 206001 Brunswick GroupSusan Gilchrist/Anna Jones/ Dominic McMullan 020 7404 5959 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange