The Mothercare group is comprised principally of two iconic retail brands with international appeal; Mothercare and Early Learning Centre. The group's brands operate through three distinct channels to market; UK stores, Direct (being the in-home and in-store internet-based businesses and catalogue mail order), and International, under which the group franchises (or participates in joint venture) operations delivering the Mothercare and Early Learning Centre brand retail operations in overseas markets. Mothercare and Early Learning Centre The Mothercare and Early Learning Centre brands are synonymous with children and parenting. Both brands carry with them a reputation for specialism, quality, safety and innovation in providing products and services for mothers, mothers-to-be, babies and young children. Both brands are passionate about their commitment to offering customers a multi-channel shopping environment through retail stores, catalogues and the internet, so that parents can meet the needs and aspirations for their children, worldwide.