Mothercare has announced yet another decline in the performance of its UK stores, in its third quarter trading update. Like-for-like sales in UK stores fell by 3.0%, during the 13 week period ending on 7th January 2012. Overall sales on home soil dropped by 6.9%; in part due to the company’s plan to close-down 110 shops within a three year period.
These disappointing UK trading figures follow a poor 2011, which the firm blamed on snow during December.
The fifty-year-old nursery goods and clothing retailer (which also owns toddler toy shop chain Early Learning Centre) continues to fare better aboard. Having opened its 1,000th store overseas, the company reported a 15.0% rise in international sales.
Alan Parker, Executive Chairman of Mothercare, said: “Worldwide network sales increased by 3.0%, as a result of continuing strong growth in our profitable and cash-generative International business. We have opened our 1,000th store outside the UK and also launched in four new countries – Chile, Colombia, Iraq and Morocco.
“In the UK, the better like-for-like sales performance was achieved in an increasingly competitive consumer environment. Additional promotional activity was successful in driving a 5% like-for-like sales increase in December…”
Mothercare may also face a new threat from rival firm Kiddicare (owned by supermarket chain Morrisons), as it eyes-up eleven out-of-town retail “sheds” that have been occupied by electrical goods brand Best Buy.
Group Performance : Third Quarter
- Worldwide network sales up 3.0%
- Total group sales down 1.2%
- International retail sales up 15.0% (up 18.5% at constant exchange rates)
- UK like-for-like sales down 3.0%
- Total UK sales down 6.9% mainly due to planned store closures
- UK Direct in Home sales down 2.2%
Group Performance : Year-to-Date
- Worldwide network sales up 4.5%
- Total group sales up 2.0%
- International retail sales up 15.5%
- UK like-for-like sales down 5.4%
- Total UK sales down 5.3%
- UK Direct in Home sales down 3.4%
TP Toys, which went into administration in early December, has been acquired by Mookie Toys for an undisclosed sum.
Mookie all ready supplies a wide range of outdoor toys, including the Smart Trike range of award winning tricycles.
The new owner has pledged to fulfill all existing orders on TP Activity Toys; and hopes to further develop the brand of outdoor toys, trampolines and play equipment.
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LeapPad and Leapster Explorer owners will soon be able to enjoy episodes of My Little Pony Friendship is Magic, The Adventures of Chuck and Friends and Pound Puppies.
A deal struck with Hasbro means that more downloadable videos will be available through the LeapFrog Connect app centre this month. Each of these downloads will contain two episodes from the chosen animated TV show and will sell for between $5 to $10.
Hasbro is expected to provide more content for LeapFrog Explorer devices. The LeapPad (an iPad-style tablet computer for children) was one of the most popular toys of 2011.
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A military version of Monopoly has been launch by luxury leather-goods makers Pemberton & Milner and Garrard the jeweller.
Monopoly Military Edition replaces street names and train stations with Royal Navy ships, Army and Royal Air Force bases. The limited edition game has its own set of playing pieces as well, including: Household Cavalry helmet, Royal Marines commando dagger and a RAF jet fighter plane.
Fifteen Luxe and ten Ultra Luxe versions of the game have been produced and are priced at £1295 and £3250 respectively. Details, such as, hand-printing, hand-embossed leather and brass or silver playing pieces had Military Monopoly commanding high prices.
There is also a one-off Ultimate version being sold at £100,000. It features a board inlaid with sterling silver and diamonds; houses and hotels are made of gold; dice numbered with black diamonds and leather wallets.
Not only will buyers be shelling-out for a rare collectible edition of the world’s most famous property trading game, armed services charities will also receive 15% of the sales.
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Toys R Us are offering a free Construction Starter Case when you spend £35 or more on Meccano building toys. This deal lasts until 27th November 2011.
FREE Construction Starter Case
when you spend over £35 on Meccano
To get your free toy, add £35.00 worth or more of the Meccano toys listed on the Toys R Us websitew and the Construction Starter Case (ref: 474495) to your basket.
The price of the Construction Case will be automatically adjusted to zero. There’s no voucher needed for this deal.
Offer excludes multiple purchases of the Construction Case. Only one free item per transaction is allowed.
FREE Construction Starter Case when you spend £25 or more on Meccano
at Toys”R”Us
Offer ends: 27 November 2011, subject to availability.
Mothercare has recalled a number of its swinging and gliding cribs due to “an issue with [the] bolts supplied”.
The affected products were produced between September 2010 and May 2011. The batch code labels of the affected cribs are dated between 01-09-10 and 31-05-11.
The batch codes and date can be found on a label on the base of the crib. Mothercare urge customers to:-
- check the batch date on the base of the crib
- if the crib is among the affected batches, stop using the crib immediately and make alternative safe sleeping arrangements for your baby
- contact Mothercare with your details and crib description (details on the label) to receive your replacement bolts.
Affected Stock Codes & Catalogue Numbers
Style Sku Description
N0289 262424-0 Natural swinging crib
N0290 262425-7 White swinging crib
N0291 262426-4 Natural deluxe gliding crib
N0292 262443-1 White deluxe swinging crib
If required, replacement bolts and instructions will be supplied free of charge. If your crib is affected, visit www.mothercare.com and follow the link for a form to complete. Alternatively, contact Mothercare’s telephone helpline on 0844 875 5122 – lines are open Monday to Saturday 8am – 8pm, Sunday and Bank Holidays 9am – 5pm.
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Monopoly Revolution is a special version of the world famous property trading board game and The Entertainer are willing to do deal with you, by selling it for less than half price.
Was £32.99, NOW ONLY
£13.19
Introduced to celebrate Monopoly’s 75th Anniversary, this game features a circular board with new graphics. In fact, the inventors of Monopoly originally intended the game to be played on a round board.
Instead of cash, players have a bank card to use with the included electronic banking machine. The machine also plays built in music and sound effects when deems it appropriate. Chance cards, according to the rules, can now be gambled with by either taking it yourself or by passing it onto another player.
Despite the modern twists, the property empire building aim of the game remains the same. The original London place names remain on the board, however, the prices have been updated with multi-million “Monopoly-pound” transactions being dealt in the updated game.
Product Specifications
Recommend age: 8 years and older
Battery requirements: 3 x AAA (not included)
Packaged item weight: 1.03Kg
Manufacturer/Supplier: Hasbro
Manufacturer/Supplier no.: 17146
Save 60% Off Monopoly Revolution
available from The Entertainer
Was £32.99, NOW ONLY
£13.19
Offer ends: Unknown, this deal is part of the company’s “Star Buy” promotion.
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Meccano Motion System 40 Model
Available to buy from Mail Order Express
£54.99
Description
40 extra large toys can be built with this set, including outboard motor, walking elephant and spinning robot! Movement is produced in each model by the 6v electric motor and two gearboxes. Comes in plastic storage case with detailed instructions and tools. Requires 4 x AA batteries (not included).
Meccano Motion System 40 Model
Available to buy from Mail Order Express
£54.99
Check availability and search for cheaper prices on:
By our best endeavours, all prices correct at the time of publishing. Please check retailer for latest prices, availability and delivery information.
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Meccano Bug Car
Available to buy from Mail Order Express
£24.99
Description
A lovely car easy to build with flexible parts! 5 models. Includes tools & stickers to change his eyes. 146 pieces.
Meccano Bug Car
Available to buy from Mail Order Express
£24.99
Check availability and search for cheaper prices on:
By our best endeavours, all prices correct at the time of publishing. Please check retailer for latest prices, availability and delivery information.
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Meccano – Train
Available to buy from Mail Order Express
£32.99
Description
Build your own train with flexible parts. The screwdriver becomes a chimney! Play with your model, and change it around to create new adventures. Builds 6 models. Tools included. Only one toy may be built at a time. 130 parts.
Meccano – Train
Available to buy from Mail Order Express
£32.99
Check availability and search for cheaper prices on:
By our best endeavours, all prices correct at the time of publishing. Please check retailer for latest prices, availability and delivery information.
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