Trading Statement

15th October 2002

                                Mothercare plc                                 

                                Trading update                                 

As indicated on 15th July, Mothercare is today providing a trading update for
the first half of the year, comprising the 28 weeks to 12th October 2002, which
is as follows:

                                 14 weeks to       14 weeks to      28 weeks to
                                                                               
                              12th July 2002     12th Oct 2002    12th Oct 2002
                                                                               
                          (percentage change over comparable period last year) 
                                                                               
UK store like-for-like                 -3.1%             -1.2%           - 2.1%
sales                                                                          
                                                                               
Group Sales                            -2.7%             +4.1%            +0.7%

In line with the 15th July statement, Clothing continued to under-perform
through the Summer but stocks were largely cleared through the sale with the
remnants moving to five clearance stores. The autumn clothing ranges were not
helped by the warm weather in September, but are now selling well. As
anticipated, Home, Travel and Toys have shown good increases recently against
weak comparatives.

The International and Direct businesses have both performed well, and in the 28
weeks to 12th October have increased sales year-on-year by 28.9% and 10.2%
respectively.

The performance of International, which is a lower margin business, combined
with clearing the UK summer lines will result in margins being lower than last
year, but in line with our expectations.

Mothercare's primary focus in the distribution centres has been to ensure the
volume and service requirements of the business are met, including the stock
build for peak trading. Whilst these objectives are being achieved, the costs
are not yet coming down as anticipated. Mothercare continue to work to reduce
these costs as a matter of urgency, whilst protecting service levels.

Full financial results for the interim period will be announced on 21st
November 2002.

Mothercare is pleased to announce that Ben Gordon joins the business as Chief
Executive on 2nd December 2002.

Mark McMenemy, Finance Director and Acting CEO said 'The first half has been
disappointing in both sales and profit. However, as expected we are now seeing
positive sales in each division as we enter the second half'

Enquiries to:                                                                
                                                                             
Mothercare plc                                                               
                                                                             
Mark McMenemy                                                    01923 206187
                                                                             
Brunswick Group Ltd                                                          
                                                                             
Philippa Power/Chi Lo                                           020 7404 5959