• Like-for-like sales grew 2.8% in the 11 months to December 31 and total sales jumped 8.1%
  • The board’s profit expectations remained unchanged
  • Card Factory has opened 50 net new stores over the period and will open 50 next year
  • Its relaunched transactional Card Factory website trial is “progressing well”

 

 

Card Factory like-for-likes edged up 2.8% in the 11 months to December 31 as it heralded another year of consistent strong growth.

Total sales jumped 8.1% over the period. Card Factory said growth was driven by a combination of like-for-like growth, new store roll outs and online.

Net store openings for the year hit 50, bringing its total estate to 814 shops. It plans to open another 50 stores next year and said it had a “strong pipeline”.

Card Factory said the trial relaunch of its transactional website was “progressing well”. Meanwhile, its personalisation etail business, Getting Personal, delivered double-digit revenue growth in the second half.

Richard Hayes, chief executive of Card Factory, said: “As we approach the end of our financial year, it is pleasing to report that the group has continued to perform well through the important and competitive Christmas trading period.

“We remain on course to deliver sales growth at a similar level to last year, highlighting once again the strength and consistency of our retail proposition and performance, underpinned as ever by our unique vertically integrated model.”

Hayes will retire in mid-April and will be succeeded by Karen Hubbard, currently chief operating officer of B&M Bargains.