Card Factory has revealed its nine-month sales rose 7.9% helped by new store openings and its growing online business.

The greeting cards and gifts specialist said it remains on track to open 50 new stores by the end of January, having opened 45 to date. It currently has 809 stores.

Card Factory reported like-for-like growth in the nine months to the end of October, but did not detail the increase.

The retailer said its full-year expectations remain unchanged.

Richard Hayes, Card Factory’s chief executive said: “We have seen another period of consistent performance across the group as we continue to drive growth from existing and new stores, as well as our expanding online operations.

“We are well prepared for the important, competitive Christmas period, and remain confident of our ability to continue to increase market share whilst delivering on all four pillars of our growth strategy.”

More to follow