New mums get personal shoppers to buy buggies

StreSSed- out parents are taking advantage of free personal shopping experiences at Mamas & Papas to get advice on which pushchairs and bedding to buy for their newborn.

As part of the personal shopping service, the retailer offers between £100 and £450 off a purchase if parents spend between £1,000 and £2,000.

Mamas & Papas has also recently launched in-store events such as pre- and post-birth exercise classes.

It said the popularity of the personal shopping service has grown over the past year to account for 18pc of store sales.

Jason Greenwood, chief executive, said: ‘ While more and more of our customers choose to shop online, it’s clear they also continue to really value a personalised service that click-and- collect just cannot replicate.’

Sales rose 2.7pc in the six weeks to January 13, while online sales benefited from a website redesign and enjoyed double digit growth compared to a year ago.

Best- sellers at the store included the Ocarro pushchair, which sells for up to £649 and the Mia furniture range which includes dressers, cots and wardrobes.