Trading Statement

Mothercare PLC
11 January 2006


11 January 2006


                                 MOTHERCARE PLC
                                 TRADING UPDATE

Mothercare plc today issued the following update on trading in respect of the 13
weeks to 6 January 2006.

Group performance

Group sales for the 13 weeks to 6 January 2006 were up 4.1%, and for the 41
weeks to 6 January, up 3.3%. Our business has traded well in the period showing
the benefits of improved product ranges, better customer service and our
multi-channel focus. Growth in our International business has continued
strongly.

UK performance
                                          13 Weeks to         41 Weeks to
                                            6 January           6 January
Total UK sales %                                +2.3%               +1.4%
UK store sales %                                +1.4%               +0.9%
UK store sales like-for-like %                  +0.7%               -0.5%

For the 13 week period to 6 January 2006, total UK sales increased by 2.3%
compared to the same period last year, with UK store like-for-like sales up by
0.7%.

Our winter sale and end of season stock clearance are proceeding in line with
plan.

Gross margins are anticipated to be in line with expectations. We expect the
overall market to remain challenging in the coming months and whilst trading
performance has been satisfactory to date, we face continuing pressure from
rises in occupancy, employee and utility costs.

International

International sales for the 13 weeks to 6 January 2006 have increased by 18%.
Growth continues to be driven by a combination of positive franchisee like for
like sales and new store openings.

Ben Gordon, Chief Executive said:

'This is an encouraging trading performance and reflects the benefits of the
actions we have taken and Mothercare's position as a specialist retailer. We
have started our UK winter sale in line with plan and are managing our seasonal
stocks well. Our international expansion continues with a further 10 new stores
expected to open before the year end.'

Mothercare expects to make a pre-close statement on 6 April 2006 ahead of its
preliminary results announcement for the 53 weeks to 1 April 2006.

Enquiries to:

Mothercare plc
Ben Gordon, Chief Executive                          01923 206001

Brunswick Group
Susan Gilchrist/Anna Jones/ Dominic McMullan         020 7404 5959






                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange