Retailer says it will fill void left by Mothercare closures
A Yorkshire-based independent nursery retailer, Kiddies Kingdom, says it is planning national investment in the wake of Mothercare ceasing trading for the last time.
In November, Kiddies Kingdom made a nine-point proposal to the administrators at Mothercare.
Though comprised of several components, a key focus was to explore the option of taking over Mothercare’s best performing stores across the UK.
After assessing the scheme, director of Kiddies Kingdom Mohammed Patel, said: “Although there was some value in taking over existing locations, it makes more commercial sense for us to start from a blank canvas and build 21st century showrooms in strategic locations, which deliver an omni-channel experience.
“We are an ambitious and forward thinking business, and believe we have the right ingredients to become the ‘go-to’ point for baby shopping.
“Although Mothercare have recently struck a deal with Boots to keep their brand alive in the UK, the true value of Mothercare was not its own branded products but its retail presence, giving consumers a national outlet for baby shopping.
“This no longer remains, and we will strive to fill it. Whilst others pull investment off the high-street, we will do the opposite and invest in it on a national scale.
“We understand how customers want to shop and we will fill that void over the next few years, with the launch of state of the art flagship showrooms which will be located in major cities across the spine of the UK. By delivering an end-to-end experience, we will be creating a hub that customers are longing for.”
Kiddies Kingdom was established 35 years ago, sells online and has a flagship showroom located in Dewsbury.
The company says it wants to revolutionise the way consumers shop for baby products, ultimately helping to increase footfall for Britain’s high streets.
