Mamas and Papas another UK maternity retailer to pack up.

Maternity retailer Mamas & Papas has collapsed into administration and is expected to close all of its stores in the UK. It’s estimated that over 73 employees have lost their jobs and more are at risk.

On Wednesday the 6th, rival maternity retailer Mothercare entered administration, leaving more than 2,500 jobs at risk of redundancy. 

The company was founded in 1981 in Huddersfield by Luisa and David Scacchetti and after a period of rapid growth was bought by Bluegem.

Commentators and experts say, changing consumer habits, such as; the rise of online shopping, have disrupted the UK retail industry reducing footfalls on shops and drastically, leaving many stores with more space than they need.

Executive chairman of Mamas and Papas, Riccardo Cincotta, said

“These actions are always difficult but they are also necessary in a challenging market to ensure Mamas & Papas achieves its considerable future potential.

“We remain fully focused on maintaining our position as the UK’s most popular nursery brand.

“We will continue to review our store portfolio in the light of customers’ changing behaviour and we remain fully committed to an omnichannel offering that reflects their evolving needs.”

Marco Capello, managing partner at Bluegem Capital said “As long-term owners of the business, we remain fully committed to supporting Mamas & Papas on its growth journey.

‘The business now has a solid platform from which to achieve this ambition, so we can look forward to the future with confidence.”