Card Factory greets H1 with 3.1% rise in sales

Card Factory reported a 3.1% increase in first half like-for-like sales as the company opened 30 new stores during the period.

Store like-for-like sales were up 3%, while underlying group sales grew 6.7%, and total sales increased 6.1%, the company said in a trading statement.

Getting Personal, the company's online unit, grew sales by 5% sales rise compared to a flat first half the prior year.

Expectations for the full year remained unchanged, the company added. It will report interims next month.

“It is pleasing to report that the strong sales performance highlighted in our Q1 announcement has continued into the second quarter, delivering a very good first half both in terms of overall and like-for-like store sales,” said chief executive Karen Hubbard.

“Our store expansion programme remains on track and we are pleased with the performance of this year’s openings, including strong sales from the increased proportion of openings in retail parks.”