Mothercare Q3 UK sales surge

LONDON: Baby goods retailer Mothercare Plc said third-quarter sales in the UK returned to growth, helped by a rise in online orders. The company, which has been trying to revive its British business that has come under pressure from tough competition, said total sales in the UK for the 13 weeks to Jan. 7 rose 0.6 per cent, with online sales rising 5.5 per cent. Sales at UK stores open over a year rose 1 per cent during the quarter and online sales now represent about 40 per cent of its total UK sales, the company said. The return to growth in its British business comes after it has suffered heavy losses as margins have eroded over the past few years. — Reuters