Trading Statement

Mothercare PLC
13 January 2005


13 January 2005

                                 MOTHERCARE PLC
                               TRADING STATEMENT

Mothercare is today providing a trading update for the 13 week period from 10
October 2004 to 7 January 2005.

For the 13 week period to 7 January 2005, since the end of our half year, total
UK store sales decreased by 0.6% compared to the same period last year with UK
store like-for-like sales down by 0.8%. For the 8 week period since we last
reported total UK store sales decreased by 1.1% compared to the same period last
year with UK store like-for-like sales down by 1.6%.

Gross margins for the full year are anticipated to be in line with expectations.
Our winter sale is going well, with end of season stock levels being tightly
controlled and clearing in line with plan. Our operating costs have been
successfully managed and will be better than anticipated for the second half
year.

Our International business continues to perform well.

Ben Gordon, Chief Executive said:

'Our overall performance is resilient in the tougher trading environment. Our
underlying gross margins continue to improve. We went on sale in accordance with
our plans for the Christmas period and have managed our seasonal stock levels
well. In addition, we have kept a tight control on costs. The business is in
good shape going forward and we are confident of making further progress.'



Mothercare expects to make a pre-close statement on 31 March 2005 ahead of its
preliminary results announcement for the 52 weeks to 26 March 2005.

Enquiries to:

Mothercare plc
Ben Gordon, Chief Executive                          01923 20 6000
Steven Glew, Finance Director                        01923 20 6187

Brunswick Group
Susan Gilchrist/Chi Lo/Anna Jones                    020 7404 5959


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