Card Factory reports ‘robust’ performance

Card and gifts retailer Card Factory has revealed a 3% increase in total group sales in its first-quarter trading update.  

Like-for-like sales decreased by 0.4%, but total and like-for-like sales over the quarter showed a robust performance.

Karen Hubbard, Card Factory’s CEO, said: “We have had a solid start to the year with further sales growth despite an ongoing sector trend of subdued footfall, which impacted the like-for-like performance.

She added: “Overall, Card Factory remains in a strong position as we look forward to the lessening impact of cost headwinds and the benefits of a significant number of business efficiencies being implemented during the year.

“This will put in place a platform for further growth in the medium term. The board’s expectations for the full financial year remain unchanged and I look forward to providing further updates as the year progresses.”