MOTHERCARE said UK sales in the final quarter of 2010 got off to a strong start, but were ‘‘impacted significantly’’ by the snow last month.
Finance director Neil Harrington said UK like-for-like sales were down by 21per cent in one week last month, which was particularly badly hit by snow.
Mr Harrington said: ‘‘The snow was a pain in the neck.
Our customers have young babies and pushchairs or are pregnant, and don’t come out in the snow.
‘‘The snow came right at the peak time for ordering toys for Christmas.’’ However, sales have been strong since the snow left.
Mothercare said its UK gross profit margin would be one per cent lower than previously expected, as it put on post-Christmas sales to clear excess stock. Pre-tax profits for the year would be down by ten to 15 per cent in the year to April as a result.
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