Mothercare attempts to ease nerves over trading

Mothercare has cheered a much-needed recovery in online sales as the struggling retailer remains locked in talks with lenders over a refinancing deal.

Online sales proved a bright spot amid the prevailing high street gloom, swinging to growth of 2.1 per cent in the 12 weeks to 24 March as website sales climbed 7.2 per cent.

However, there was little reprieve for bricks and mortar stores. UK like-forlike sales slipped 2.8 per cent over the period as customer footfall tumbled.

The update comes amid a period of turbulence for Mothercare, which replaced boss Mark Newton-jones last week and continues to pursue a stay of execution from lenders over its financial position.