Working at Mothercare

About Mothercare

Mothercare has a proud history. Since 1961, we’ve been a trusted one-stop shop for parents-to-be and their little ones. From high street to mail order to online shopping, we’ve always been proud of our commitment to new ways of getting our products to as many people as possible.

As our business expands into overseas markets, we understand that our people are the driving force behind our goals. People like you. It’s your enthusiasm and ideas that have brought us to where we are today and will make the difference to where we go tomorrow. And because we understand how important you are, we’ll not only invest in your development, we’ll also provide a welcoming environment in which you can build a successful career.

Mothercare is a specialist retailer of products for mothers-to-be, babies and children up to the age of eight. Mothercare opened its first store in 1961 in Kingston, Surrey. Initially the business focused on pushchairs, nursery furniture and maternity clothing, but it subsequently expanded its range to include clothing for children up to the age of five and later up to the age of eight. We now offer a wide range of maternity and children's clothing, furniture and home furnishings, bedding, feeding, bathing, travel equipment and toys through its retail operations in the United Kingdom, and also operates internationally through franchises in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Far East under the 'Mothercare' brand name. We have a presence in 45 countries.

Growing up

The business started its mail order business in 1962. In 1972, Mothercare first became a public company, and in 1982 Mothercare merged with the Habitat chain of retailers to form Habitat Mothercare plc. In 1984, Mothercare began to expand internationally through entering into franchise arrangements with select partners in chosen countries. In 1986, Habitat Mothercare plc merged with British Home Stores plc. During the 1990s the merged group was rationalised. In 2000, Mothercare became the sole brand and the holding company's name was changed to Mothercare plc.

In June 2007, the group acquired Chelsea Stores Holdings Limited, the owner of the Early Learning Centre (ELC) brand:

ELC was founded in 1974 originally as a mail order business offering toys and books with educational content. The first ELC retail store opened in Reading later the same year. In 1985, ELC was acquired by John Menzies plc who continued to expand the estate and ELC became a well-known high street brand. In September 2001, ELC was the subject of a management buyout, during which ELC streamlined its operations, exited non-profitable product categories and stores and grew its sourcing operation in Asia.

Head Office

Based in Watford, Hertfordshire, we have over 650 talented people working across the full range of business functions. Join them and we’ll make sure your contribution to our business never goes unrewarded.

Retail

Giving all customers personalised advice on their parenting journey doesn’t have to come from being a parent yourself. We believe it comes from a desire to be the best. We want to employ people who are genuinely passionate about delivering exceptional customer service so they can share their specialist knowledge with our customers.

Distribution

Based in Daventry, Northamptonshire, Mothercare's supply chain team are accountable for making sure that the right products are moved at the right time to the right places for our UK stores, International franchisees and our internet customers.

International

Our Mothercare offices in Hong Kong, China, India and Bangladesh support our franchise partnerships around the globe and ensure that our factories comply with legal and ethical requirements, meeting stringent quality checks, delivering products on time.