Mamas & Papas reports strong sales despite consumer pressures
High street nursery brand Mamas & Papas has said continued expansion of its UK retail space has been driving strong sales growth despite a challenging environment for consumers.
The group, which designs, wholesales and retails nursery and baby products, increased revenues 17% in the six months to September. It opened 10 new concessions under its strategic partnership with retailer Next in the same period, with a further three to follow in H2 alongside three new concessions with Marks & Spencer.
Sales at its online business also grew quickly despite its focus on new physical space, which it said demonstrated the demand for its brand as well as the resilience of the sector.
The group posted sales of £126m in its last full financial year ended March 27 2022, up 35% on the previous year. Full year profits increased to £11m (ebitda) and £6.8m profit before tax.
Mamas & Papas said it was also expanding its range of travel systems, nursery furniture and children’s clothing, with an increased focus on entry-level price points.
Mark Saunders, chief executive, said: “Whilst there are undoubtedly challenges from the continuing cost of living crisis and emerging economic downturn, the nursery products market has always proven its resilience due to being far less discretionary than other non-food retail sectors.
“Combined with our momentum in the market and the loyalty of our customers, this is giving us confidence to continue investing in our growth strategy, including our strategic partnerships with Next and Marks & Spencer, as well as investing in our communities and colleagues through our ESG agenda.”
He added: “Whether it’s through our website or in-store, our goal is to become the most accessible nursery brand with an unrivalled commitment to our customers.”
Earlier this year, Mamas & Papas introduced a new circularity strategy to help reduce the amount of clothing sent to landfill each year, including a new store-based take-back scheme under its partnership with charity Oxfam.
