Mamas and Papas reports strong Christmas sales
Sales at Mamas & Papas rose 2.7% in the six weeks to 13 January, bucking the Christmas sales drop experienced by other retailers.
The Huddersfield-based business said that personal shopping now accounted for 18% of UK store sales, up from 10% a year ago. A new website and investment in customer acquisition technology also contributed to double-digit growth in online sales compared to a year ago.
Jason Greenwood, chief executive, said: “Against a backdrop of difficult trading conditions on the High Street, we’re pleased to have delivered another positive performance without compromising our premium credentials.
“We have continued to invest heavily in our unique in-store experience so that we can consistently deliver the highest level of service and product quality that our customers – millennial parents and parents-to-be – rightly expect.”
“While more and more of our customers choose to shop online, it’s clear they also continue to really value a personalised service that click-and-collect just cannot replicate.”
The business, which was acquired by BlueGem Capital Partners in July 2014, has 31 stores in the UK and employs 879 people.
Greenwood added: “The outlook for consumer spending remains uncertain, but based on our recent trading performance we can look forward to the year ahead with cautious optimism.”
Eight stores were re-furbished, including the Westfield White City flagship in London, while new concept stores were opened in Glasgow Fort and Liverpool Speke.
Other recent initiatives include in-store parent-to-be events such as pre- and post-birth exercise classes, and a number of successful collaborations, including a luxurious lounge and sleepwear range with Bloom and Blossom as well as an exclusive changing bag collection with Tiba + Marl.
