Greeting Card Retailer Sees Revenue Rise Amidst Economic Challenges
- Card Factory reports strong financial performance for FY25
- Revenue up by 6.2% to £542.5m, outpacing celebrations market
- Like-for-like store sales rise by 3.4%
- Average basket value increases by 5.4% due to expanded product ranges
- Capex-light space optimisation programme drives growth in confectionery, soft toys, and stationery categories
- Adjusted pre-tax profit up 6.3% to £66m
- Basket values up 6.7% year-on-year with half of purchases including non-card items
- CEO Darcy Willson-Rymer highlights focus on omnichannel strategy and international expansion
- Expected full-year adjusted pre-tax profit between £65.7m and £67m
- Inflationary cost pressures to be offset by pricing, range optimisation, and productivity gains
Card Factory has reported a robust financial performance for the year ending January 2025, with revenue increasing by 6.2% to £542.5m, surpassing the wider celebrations market. The greeting card and gift retailer experienced growth in total store revenue (up 5.8%) and like-for-like store sales (up 3.4%). Expanded product ranges, particularly in gifts and celebration essentials, contributed to a 5.4% rise in average basket value. A capital expenditure-light space optimization program drove growth in categories such as confectionery (+25%), soft toys (+22%), and stationery (+18%). Adjusted pre-tax profit increased by 6.3% to £66m, supported by stable margins and the ongoing delivery of its efficiency and productivity program. Basket values rose 6.7% year-over-year, with half of all purchases now including non-card items. CEO Darcy Willson-Rymer stated: ‘We’ve delivered strong revenue and profit growth while continuing to outperform the broader celebrations market. Our customers are responding well to expanded product ranges and our compelling value offer, which remain at the heart of our strategy.’ The executive noted that despite the challenging economic climate, consumers still want to celebrate special occasions like Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. Card Factory continued to build momentum online, though total like-for-like sales at cardfactory.co.uk remained flat year-over-year. The company shut down its loss-making personalized gift site, gettingpersonal.co.uk, in January 2025 as part of its strategy to focus on driving more profitable online growth through its core cardfactory.co.uk site. International expansion was also a highlight, with acquisitions in Ireland and the US bolstering its footprint. Its wholesale model gained traction globally, securing a major partnership with a US retailer covering over 1,100 stores and extending agreements with Aldi in the UK and The Reject Shop in Australia. Willson-Rymer added: ‘We will continue to invest in the high street, open new stores, develop ranges that resonate with customers, and offer exceptional value. It’s the continuous opening of new stores, improving our existing stores, and improving value for the consumer where the growth will come from.’ The retailer expects full-year adjusted pre-tax profit to be between £65.7m and £67m, with inflationary cost pressures expected to be offset by pricing, range optimisation, and productivity gains.
Image Alt: Card Factory logo
Factuality Level: 10
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate and objective information about Card Factory’s financial performance, product ranges, online presence, international expansion, and future growth plans. It includes quotes from the CEO and mentions inflationary cost pressures without any sensationalism or personal perspective presented as a universally accepted truth.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about Card Factory’s financial performance, product range expansion, online growth, and international expansion plans. It also mentions challenges such as inflationary cost pressures. The content is focused on the company’s performance and strategies, making it informative and useful for readers interested in retail and business news.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: No
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses Card Factory’s financial performance, including revenue growth, profit increase, and expansion plans. It mentions the company’s strategy to focus on driving online growth through its core site and international markets. The CEO also talks about their omnichannel strategy and expectations for future growth. However, there is no direct impact on specific financial markets or companies mentioned.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: Other
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event mentioned in the article.
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