Mothercare is a specialist retailer of products for mothers-to-be, babies and children up to the age of eight. Mothercare opened its first store in 1961 in Surrey. Initially the business focused on pushchairs, nursery furniture and maternity clothing, but it subsequently expanded its range to include clothing for children up to the age of five and later up to the age of eight. It now offers a wide range of maternity and children's clothing, furniture and home furnishings, bedding, feeding, bathing, travel equipment and toys through its retail operations in the United Kingdom, and also operates internationally through franchises in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Far East under the 'Mothercare' brand name. The business started its mail order business in 1962. In 1972, Mothercare first became a public company, and in 1982 Mothercare merged with the Habitat chain of retailers to form Habitat Mothercare plc. In 1984, Mothercare began to expand internationally through entering into franchise arrangements with select partners in chosen countries. In 1986, Habitat Mothercare plc merged with British Home Stores plc. During the 1990s the merged group was rationalised. In 2000, Mothercare became the sole brand and the holding company's name was changed to Mothercare plc.
