Mothercare targets international franchise growth

High street retailer Mothercare has signalled its intent to pursue the growth of its international franchising operation, with China and India prime expansion targets. The company, which owns all its stores in the UK, recently announced a strong half year sales increase of 7.9 per cent, which was boosted by 29.6 per cent growth in its international franchise network. "The really big part of the business is international," said Chief Executive Ben Gordon. "Franchising will always shift the most volumes."