Card Factory shares tumbled on Friday after it lowered its profit expectations, as challenging conditions on the high street continue to weigh on performance during its crucial Christmas trading period.
The UK’s leading specialist retailer of greeting cards and gifts now anticipates adjusted profit before tax of between £55m and £60m for the full financial year. This would be materially lower than the £66m recorded in the year to 31st July 2025.
The downgrade reflects softer store sales amid heightened pressures on UK consumers, which the company says have dampened confidence and reduced footfall.
The company acknowledged that these headwinds have persisted into its most important trading weeks, which will be a blow to investors.
The acquisition of Funkypigeon will help diversify the company’s revenue channels, but its footprint on the UK high street is expansive, and a continued slowdown will be felt by the firm.
Card Factory shares were down 22% at the time of writing and are at the lowest levels since 2023.