NET WINS FOR MOTHERCARE

Chief executive Ben Gordon said: “The Early Learning Centre acqui­sition has helped push up sales. Like-for-like sales in the UK are up 1 per cent, which is good in a slowing UK economy.”

Mothercare bought the Early Learning Centre business for £85million last year.

Sales at Mothercare’s Direct in Home unit, which includes internet and telephone orders, increased by 77.7 per cent.

The specialist baby retailer also benefited from international franchisee retail sales, up 50.4 per cent.

Demand from Russia and the Middle East — helped by new store openings — added to growth.

Last week in Beijing the com­pany opened its first shop in China. It plans to open soon in Shanghai.

Mothercare has a total of 526 stores in 49 countries.

Mothercare’s shares stayed unchanged at 346.25p.