Card Factory has confirmed trading remains in line with revised guidance, despite a challenging UK retail environment, as the greeting cards specialist continues to make progress on its strategic objectives.
The UK’s leading greetings cards and gifts retailer posted total group revenue of £541.6 million for the eleven months ended 31 December 2025, up 7.3% year-on-year. The growth was primarily driven by contributions from recent acquisitions, particularly businesses in North America and the Republic of Ireland, as well as the Funky Pigeon digital platform.
Store performance proved more subdued, with total store sales rising just 1.1% whilst like-for-like store revenue remained flat.
Christmas trading reflected the difficult consumer backdrop, with total store sales down 0.8% and like-for-like revenue declining 1.2% across November and December.
After suffering a big hit to shares in early December following a profit downgrade, investors may be marginally optimistic on the back of today’s results.
The company’s acquisitions strategy has been central to offsetting weaker high street footfall. Funky Pigeon’s integration has accelerated Card Factory’s digital capabilities, whilst partnerships business expansion and international operations have diversified revenue streams. Management’s ‘Simplify and Scale’ programme has largely offset persistent cost inflation.
Importantly, the firm has maintained its profit guidance. Card Factory expects to deliver adjusted profit before tax of between £55 million and £60 million for FY26.