Mothercare
Mothercare plc · United Kingdom
Mothercare is a British mother and baby brand founded in 1961 by Selim Zilkha and Sir James Goldsmith. Since the UK retail business entered administration in November 2019 it has operated as a brand and franchise business, with Boots selling Mothercare products in the UK. It matters as a long-running example of a UK retailer that moved to an asset-light model.
| Founded | 1961 |
|---|---|
| Founders | Selim Zilkha and Sir James Goldsmith |
| Headquarters | Watford, United Kingdom |
| Parent | Mothercare plc |
| UK model | Franchise-only since 2019; Boots sells the brand |
| Segment | Childrenswear and maternity |
| Website | mothercare.com |
What is Mothercare?
Mothercare is a UK mother and baby brand selling products for expectant mothers and young children, including newborn essentials, first outfits, pushchairs, toys, nursery items, travel gear and feeding, play and sleep products. Its website says it was founded in the UK in 1961.
History
The company was founded by Selim Zilkha and Sir James Goldsmith. It listed on the London Stock Exchange in 1972 and later moved to AIM, according to Wikipedia. In 2019 the group reported revenue of 513.8 million pounds and had more than 150 UK stores in 2017, falling to 79 by 2019. In November 2019 the UK business entered administration, and all UK stores and the UK website closed.
Business model and distribution
Since 2019 the UK business has been franchise-only, with Boots selling Mothercare-branded products online and in stores from mid-2020. Internationally the group supplies franchise partners: Alshaya operates the brand across the Middle East, North Africa, central and eastern Europe and Russia, the first franchise having opened in Kuwait in 1983. Kim Hin International represents it in Singapore. In October 2024 Mothercare and Reliance Brands formed a joint venture for India and other South Asian countries, with Reliance holding 51 per cent and Mothercare 49 per cent. Reported details of the related payment conflict between sources, so no figure is given here.
Products and positioning
The brand positions itself around comfort, safety and practicality for families. Its website lists 21 markets across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Why it matters
Mothercare is one of the most cited cases of a UK high street chain converting to an asset-light, licensing and franchise model after losing its domestic store estate. Corporate and listing status after 2024 has not been verified here.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Mothercare?
The brand is owned by Mothercare plc, which supplies franchise partners worldwide. In October 2024 it formed a joint venture with Reliance Brands for India and South Asia, in which Reliance holds 51 per cent. Wider ownership changes after 2024 have not been verified.
Does Mothercare still have stores in the UK?
Not under its own operation. The UK business entered administration in November 2019 and Mothercare products are now sold by Boots online and in stores, according to Wikipedia.