Trading Statement

Mothercare PLC
8 October 2001

8 October 2001

                              Mothercare plc

                              Trading update

Mothercare today announces a trading update for the period of 26 weeks to 28
September 2001.  Sales increased by 9.6%, and like-for-like sales growth for
the period was 7.6%. Margins have improved by 2.1 percentage points on last
year.

As set out previously, the key priorities for phase two of the recovery
programme have been the relaunch of Mothercare's clothing range and the move to
a new warehouse facility at Daventry, Northamptonshire. Launched in early
August, the performance of the new Autumn/Winter clothing ranges is very
encouraging.

The new warehouse, operated by Tibbett & Britten, opened as scheduled, on 18
August and all new IT systems have worked successfully. However, productivity
levels within the warehouse have been well below those planned, resulting in
product availability issues. Action is being taken to resolve these issues and
the flow of stock into stores is now starting to improve.

A further update will be given when Mothercare announces its interim results
for the 28 weeks to 13 October on 22 November 2001.


Enquiries:   Caroline Whitelegge               Mothercare     01923 206 233
             Susan Gilchrist                   Brunswick      0207 404 5959



End