DHL Supply Chain has secured a five year contract extension with
Mothercare that will extend the two companies' distribution partnership
to a total of 30 years.

The baby and maternity products retailer will deploy DHL to handle
national distribution to its network of more than 300 UK stores and
international franchises, until 2020. The supply chain firm will manage
the national operation at its main site in Crick, Northamptonshire,
overseeing distribution for both Mothercare and its Early Learning
Centre sister brand.

It comes as Mothercare continues to develop its international
network, with sales – particularly in Asian markets – driving growth in
its global business over the last few years. Sales in the UK have been
flat in comparison, but the retailer continues to undergo a
transformation strategy under new CEO Mark Newton-Jones, defined by the
closing of loss-making stores, re-designing the look of other shops and
more closely linking its off- and online operations.

Graeme Thompson, head of global supply chain planning &
development at Mothercare UK, remarked: "We are always looking at ways
to serve our customers better and the new contract with DHL ensures
parents in the UK and worldwide can get the quality products they need
at their convenience.

"An integrated and streamlined supply chain is key to this vision."