Greetings card giant Clinton Cards has ramped up its number of festive promotions this year as competition for Christmas spend heats up.

Managing director Clinton Lewin said: “We will have more deals for customers than last year as things are tougher. There is a lot of uncertainty and retailers have to do what they can.

“Last Christmas was really good, but this year is slightly more problematic for consumers.”

The retailer, which is in the midst of designing a new store format, revealed a group like-for-like fall of 3% in the 16 weeks to November 21, with its Irish stores performing particularly badly, slumping 14% at its Birthdays fascia in the Republic of Ireland.

Lewin said Clinton Cards was mulling the future of its stores in the Republic of Ireland, and will make a decision in the new year. He said it was in discussions with landlords to “see what they can do” to enable it to continue trading in the country.