Mamas & Papas, the Huddersfield-based nursery and parenting brand, will make its first local appearance at Sliema’s Plaza early next year followed by a flagship store in central Malta and an outlet in Gozo by 2012.
The brand is being introduced on the local market by Michele Peresso Group, which is expecting positive customer response to the latest arrival in this prosperous retail segment.
“We have always wanted to represent a parenting and nursery brand – it was our missing link,” group director Michael Peresso told The Times Business. “We are confident Mamas & Papas will be received positively by the Maltese consumer. All products are unique, of high quality, and of good value. We believe the brand will bring about a revolution to the parenting sector in Malta.”
Mr Peresso said Mamas & Papas, one of the UK’s favourite parenting brands, was up to date with current fashion trends in its textiles, travel systems and furniture collections. He emphasised competitive pricing offered “something for everyone” affordable quality products at a market entry price to luxury products in higher brackets.
Mamas & Papas opens at the Plaza by next March. An 800-square metre flagship store on two floors will follow in a central location later in the year. The Gozo store should open by the beginning of 2012.
Earlier this year, Mamas & Papas announced its ambition to become the “world’s favourite parenting brand”. With 30 of its own stores across the UK, the brand’s presence is expanding rapidly worldwide under a franchising drive initiated in 2007: it is currently present in more than 15 European countries, across the Middle East and Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Chile and Peru. It also has trading relations with large retailers Harrods, the John Lewis Partnership, and Saks 5th Avenue.
Mamas & Papas’ is the classic ‘necessity and invention’ business tale.
Its birth in 1981 is attributed to a “flash of inspiration” when founders David and Luisa Scacchetti of Italian descent, were expecting their first daughter but could not find what they were looking for.
Inspired by “everyone and everything”, the couple went on to create a world of colour, design and individuality for their baby who was soon joined by a sister. Daughters Amanda and Olivia, and one son-in-law, have since joined the business.
Today the family business has a turnover of over £120 million and operates from offices around the world, including London, Hong Kong and New York.
Best known for its pharmaceutical, fashion and sportwear arms and its expanding store network, Michele Peresso Group has a continuously growing brand portfolio. It represents major brands including Adidas, Reebok, Skechers, Kappa, Jaked, Head, Upim, Bata, Fergi, Medela and Sebamed.