Baby Needs, Baby (Mothercare)

Member Name: Krystles

Product:	Mothercare
Date:	10/04/09 (155 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Large range of products

Disadvantages: Expensive, Staffing Issues

WHAT DO THEY SELL?

I've recently spent a fair amount of time browsing in Mothercare stores and looking through their catalogues and online content. There is no denying that they have a fantastic range of all things pregnancy and baby related. They stock everything you could possibly need including bedding, nursery gear, buggies, pushchairs, highchairs, safety equipment, bottles, nappies, baby toiletries and clothing for expectant and nursing mums, and of course babies. Mothercare not only stock a large range of products, they also have an impressive range of brands, including their own band. Mothercare provides a starting point for an expectant mother to browse and contemplate what is actually needed for the impending arrival and what products are merely targeted at those who don't know better in terms of what is needed and what isn't.

HOW DO THEIR PRICES COMPARE?

It did not take me long to establish that Mothercare's major downfall is price. Although there isn't much they don't stock, most of their roducts can be found elsewhere for a significantly lower price, particularly if you look online. Whilst researching travel systems I have found the same brands and models available at Mothercare for up to 100 pounds less. Even Tesco Direct and Argos stock the same items as Mohercare for less.

STAFF

I'm yet to be overwhelmed by an exceptional level of customer service or indeed any level of customer service. Whilst attempting to navigate around the travel system, pushchair and buggy world, I would have greatly appreciated some guidance or words of wisdom from a knowledgeable staff member. Instead I was met by complete avoidance. It was not that there weren't any members of staff around, there was several chatting amongst themselves and seemingly standing around not doing a whole lot. There were numerous customers waiting to pay for items and the staff did not appear to be in any hurry with this process either.

STORE LAYOUT

My local store surprisingly seems to be very unfriendly to families in that it often very cluttered. Fixtures are quite close together and I imagine a lot of shoppers would pushchairs or buggies have difficulty navigating their way through the store. Considering there always seems to be a lot of staff milling around, I'm surprised that my local store is not kept cleaner and less cluttered. Any stock that has fallen onto the floor is ignored by staff, boxes of stock clutter the floor and give the overall impression of uncleanliness and disorganisation.

Some Mothercare stores stock a range of Clarks children's shoes, Pixie Foto and Early Learning Centre products. The store I visit has an impressive range of ELC games, toys and activity mats for babies and toddlers. Unfortunately these seem overpriced too.

QUALITY

I have purchased a few items from Mothercare (whilst lucky enough to see them on sale) and I have been happy with the quality. Their maternity clothes are comfortable, fit well and are also a reasonably flattering fit. Ultimately although I'm happy with their maternity clothes I haven't been so blown away that I would start paying full price for them. I have also picked up some baby clothes and a Mothercare brand baby carrier which appear to be well made, but I guess I will find out in time whether they're any better then cheaper brands.

OVERALL

Mothercare isn't a shop I'm about to spend a lot of money in, as their prices are so uncompetitive. But they are a fantastic place to start researching products. You can view heaps of products in one place and then purchase them online for a cheaper price. Mothercare is the ideal shop for those who either have heaps of money to spend or those who want the convenience of buying all their baby gear from the one shop.

Summary: Browse here then buy somewhere else