Card Factory posts robust sales growth despite challenging environment

Greeting cards, dressings and gifts retailer Card Factory has reported a 5.5% increase in sales for the six months ending 31 July 2019.

The retailer’s like-for-like sales grew by 1.5% during the period, following a strong first quarter particularly supported by its successful Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day seasonal ranges.

However, second quarter sales were “weaker” in the season of Father’s Day, impacted by lower footfall. It also further expanded its store network with 26 new UK openings, and said it is on track for its target of c.50 net new shops across the UK and Republic of Ireland for the full year.

Karen Hubbard, Card Factory’s chief executive officer, said: “Our quality and value proposition continues to resonate well with customers – reflected by the good performance of our seasonal ranges in the first half of the year.  We continue to work hard at making sure we have the right ranges at the right prices for our customers, in the store and online.

“Alongside that, we remain focused on our important commercial and business efficiency initiatives – all of which will make Card Factory a much stronger business for the long term.”