Bump in sales for Mothercare
Underlying profits at Mothercare rose to £37.1 million in the year to 28th March, helped by like-for-like sales growth of 1.4 percent in the UK and 6 percent internationally. The maternity and nursery specialist`s performance was also boosted by the integration of the Early Learning Centre, which it acquired in 2007, and “very tight control of costs,” according to a statement.  Year-on-year web and phone sales climbed 24.9 percent, to £62.2 million, and “direct in store sales” at web-enabled shops were up 26.3 percent, to £45.1 million.

Rise in sales for Adili
Ethical fashion etailer Adili posted a 56-percent rise in sales for the year ended 30th April. Despite this, EBITDA is expected to come in below expectations after discounting hit margins. Adili also said that the investment in a new website –unveiled in November ¬– impacted on earnings.

More redundancies at Freeman Grattan
The UK division of Otto Group, Freeman Grattan Holdings, is reported to be making 160 workers in its Listerhills distribution centre redundant. Earlier this year the company, whose catalogues include Oli and Kaleidoscope, closed its London office and announced plans to shut its Bradford call centre, which will result in the loss of another 800 jobs.

Williams Medical hires CEO
Williams Medical Supplies appointed Steve Dunn to the newly created position of chief executive officer. He was previously group managing director of the UK's largest pharmaceutical wholesaler.

Play.com launches credit card
Home entertainment merchant Play.com has rolled out a branded credit card in conjunction with card issuer MBNA. Cardholders collect one PlayPoint loyalty programme point for every pound they spend with a company other than Play.com and two points for every pound they spend with Play.com.

Catalogue Exchange Annual Summit – a sell out
The Annual Summit for not for profit trade body Catalogue Exchange has been fully subscribed leaving the organizers with a waiting list for places. The event which runs on June 3rd at Kensington Town Hall will completely fill the prestigious Council Chamber. Leading US consultant & futurist Don Libey is guest speaker. The day also features hosted table discussions over lunch and networking & drinks reception which is sponsored by TA Design.

ECMOD Conference Programme - publication date 29th May
Very nearly complete, the ECMOD conference programme will be published on Friday 29th May and will feature a special roster of US speakers who are flying in to take part. Web guru Amy Africa will make a welcome return along with Gillian Muessig of SEOmoz, Marketing Systems Analysis’ Ernie Schell, Bill LaPierre of Millard Group, and several others who are due to be fully confirmed this week. UK client side companies represented on the speaker panel include Tom Joule of Joules, Kristina Kirby of Lipsy, Peter Sephton of Brady Corp, Julian Granville of Boden & many more … The event will also feature a CatEx@ECMOD member conference, an extensive zoned exhibition hall, and many special offers for delegates & visitors. Very special early bird rates will be offered until 30th June.

Coming up in Catalogue/e-business...