Baby K boosts Mothercare profit

MOTHER and baby retailer Mothercare said the baby range launched by Myleene Klass is among new lines proving popular with customers.

The company, which has three Mothercare stores and four Early Learning Centre shops in the Lothians, said Baby K had helped contribute to a near doubling of profits in the first half of its year.

It is also planning to make further inroads into China after a "particularly strong performance" by its international business.

Mothercare, which acquired the Early Learning Centre last year, posted underlying profits before tax of £9.5 million for the 28 weeks to October 11, up 94 per cent on the same period last year.

Chief executive Ben Gordon said future growth would be driven by the company's international arm. The group now has 983 stores operating in 50 countries.