Mamas and Papas as joined Kiddicare and Mothercare in the list of baby and maternity retailers struggling to hold their own against mounting competition from supermarkets and online retailers. It is understood that private equity investor BlueGem, which acquired Liberty in 2010, is trying to hammer out a deal which might see Mamas & Papas significantly reduce its store portfolio and headcount. Mamas and Papas which launched in 1981 recorded sales of £108 million its most recent accounts.
Sector retailers have all been impacted by a much more price conscious market which has seen an increase in show-rooming and use of price comparison sites, with orders for larger items like prams, buggies and nursery furniture go to whichever vendor offers the best deal.
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