This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-43260011

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Mothercare shares slide on profit downgrade Mothercare shares slide on profit downgrade
(about 2 hours later)
Shares in Mothercare fell sharply on Friday after the baby goods retailer warned that profits would be at the lower end of expectations.Shares in Mothercare fell sharply on Friday after the baby goods retailer warned that profits would be at the lower end of expectations.
The retailer also said it might breach its lending agreements and was seeking additional sources of funding.The retailer also said it might breach its lending agreements and was seeking additional sources of funding.
Chief executive Mark Newton-Jones said trading had become "more challenging".Chief executive Mark Newton-Jones said trading had become "more challenging".
The warning that annual profits were likely to be near the bottom of its forecast £1m-£5m range sent shares down 14% to 21.9p in afternoon trading. The warning that annual profits were likely to be near the bottom of its forecast £1m-£5m range sent shares down 15.5% to 21p by the close of trading.
However, Mothercare said it expected net debt to be slightly lower than the £50m it had forecast.However, Mothercare said it expected net debt to be slightly lower than the £50m it had forecast.
Fears have been growing about the state of the UK retail sector. Earlier this week, both Toys R Us UK and electronics chain Maplin went into administration.Fears have been growing about the state of the UK retail sector. Earlier this week, both Toys R Us UK and electronics chain Maplin went into administration.
'Profound impact''Profound impact'
Mothercare, which has been cutting costs, said it was continuing with its strategy of closing UK stores and bolstering online sales.Mothercare, which has been cutting costs, said it was continuing with its strategy of closing UK stores and bolstering online sales.
The retailer said it would cut its store numbers from 140 at present to 80 in response to the trend towards online shopping, which now makes up 42% of its revenue. The retailer said it would cut its store numbers from 140 to 80 in response to the trend to online shopping, which now makes up 42% of its revenue.
Retailers across the board have been hit by weak consumer confidence, with shoppers being squeezed as wage rises fail to keep pace with inflation. Many retail chains have been hit by weak consumer confidence, with shoppers being squeezed as wages fail to keep pace with rising inflation.
Mr Newton-Jones said: "The retail sector continues to face a number of pressures that are clearly having a profound impact on the sector as a whole.Mr Newton-Jones said: "The retail sector continues to face a number of pressures that are clearly having a profound impact on the sector as a whole.
"Against this backdrop we are performing in line with our expectations and remain a cash generative business, but we also need to push ahead with our transformation strategy to meet our customers' needs and continue adapting to evolving shopping habits around the world.""Against this backdrop we are performing in line with our expectations and remain a cash generative business, but we also need to push ahead with our transformation strategy to meet our customers' needs and continue adapting to evolving shopping habits around the world."