Mothercare closes all UK stores

This Sunday marked the end of an era for collapsed maternity retailer Mothercare, with the last of its 79 UK stores closing for good.

Customers and staff expressed their disbelief after the company disappeared from the UK high street after nearly six decades in business.

The last 37 stores that remained open, including locations in Cardiff, Milton Keynes, Leeds, Manchester, Solihull, Meadowhall and Edinburgh, closed on Sunday after slashing prices in an attempt to sell all remaining stock.

Mothercare placed its UK business in administration in November last year after failing to cope with increased competition from UK supermarkets, fast fashion brands and the internet.

The move was a strategic choice made by management after it became clear the UK business could not return to profitability.

The Watford-based company was established in 1961 in Surrey, and at its peak nearly a decade ago, Mothercare had 353 stores in the UK and 969 overseas.

Despite the UK closure, the Mothercare brand will continue to live in the UK within Boots, the health and beauty, which unveiled an exclusive franchise agreement with the business in December. Large Boots stores will stock Mothercare branded clothing, home and travel products like pushchairs and car seats, from July 2020.

Mothercare will also continue to operate overseas, in fact its international business in countries like India, Indonesia and Russia is not affected by the UK closure. About £500 million of revenues are generated each year from over 1,000 Mothercare stores in over 40 countries.

Mothercare closes all UK stores

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