The retailer's critics say its management is out of touch. Now the PM has returned to the issue of females in boardrooms

Under-pressure retailer Mothercare today announced another drop in UK sales as it continues to flounder at home but flourish abroad.

The struggling lingerie chain La Senza's UK arm fell into Kuwaiti hands last night after the international franchise operator Alshaya struck a deal with administrators KPMG, safeguarding 1,100 jobs.

Lingerie chain La Senza collapsed into administration today triggering 1,300 redundancies and the closure of more than 100 outlets.

Disgruntled customers have been complaining they will not receive their Christmas presents in time because of a huge backlog at the depots of one of Britain's largest delivery firms.

1. Mamas and Papas

£90 mamasandpapas.com

Ergonomically designed, with soft-touch moulded corners and feet and their padded frame has wipe-clean covers.

Discounts and promotions failed to entice shoppers during November as figures today cast more doubt over high street prospects this Christmas.

The City has raised concerns about the UK property costs associated with a break-up of Mothercare after talk of a private-equity bid lifted the maternity retailer's shares yesterday.

Is adoption the next step for Mothercare? Investors in the mother-and-baby retailer were hoping so yesterday after the struggling high street stalwart bounced up the mid-tier index following rumours it may be attracting the attention of private equity.

In a sign of just how tough conditions are on Britain's high streets, Sir Philip Green is expected to report this week that his retail empire has seen its profits slump by about a third.

But UK firms may already be missing out on a market that is forecast to reach £69bn this year because other countries have jumped in sooner

Outlook So farewell Ben Gordon, the boss of Mothercare, whose departure has seemed inevitable since last week's disastrous profits warning wiped 30 per cent off the value of the company.

The struggle on the high street was underlined today as official figures revealed a greater-than-expected slowdown in retail sales.

Pushchairs have moved on since the days of bulky prams. Now, inspired by car technology, they're the most hi-tech items on the pavement. By Paul McKenzie