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Card Factory PLC on Wednesday said it is on track to deliver profit in line with its revised guidance, as it said UK trading during the Christmas period reflected the ‘challenging consumer backdrop’. Back in December, the Wakefield, England-based greeting cards, gifts and celebration merchandise retailer said it expected adjusted pretax profit of between £55 million and £60 million for financial 2026, which ends on January 31, this coming Saturday. This was lower than the company’s previous guidance, which was for mid-to-high single-digit-percentage growth in adjusted pretax profit from £66.0 million in financial 2025, meaning roughly £70 million. On Wednesday, Card Factory said Christmas trading was in line with these revised expectations. In November and December, it saw revenue growth of 4.3% compared to a year ago, with total stores sales down 0.8% and like-for-like store revenue 1.2% lower. In the year-to-date, or the eleven months to the end of December, total group revenue was £541.6 million, up 7.3% on year. Total store sales increased by 1.1% while like-for-like store sales were flat. ‘The performances of our acquired businesses, particularly those in North America and the Republic of Ireland, were in line with our expectations and together with Funky Pigeon, contributed to the increase in group revenue year-on-year,’ Card Factory said. The firm expects to declare a ‘progressive’ full-year dividend. ‘We are on track to deliver profits in line with our revised guidance announced on 12 December 2025. During the second half of the year and particularly the important Christmas period, trading in our UK stores reflected the challenging consumer backdrop which contributed to soft high street footfall. Across the group, we are encouraged by the performance of our international businesses and that the integration of Funky Pigeon remains on track,’ said Chief Executive Officer Darcy Willson-Rymer. Card Factory bought funkypigeon.com Ltd, a personalised greeting card and gifting business, from WH Smith PLC for £24 million back in July. ‘While the outlook for the UK high street remains uncertain, we continue to focus on our value-led proposition to help our customers celebrate all life’s moments. In addition, we continue to successfully drive efficiencies and manage costs through our ’simplify and scale’ programme,’ Willson-Rymer added. ‘The board remains confident in the group’s prospects and continued momentum of our growth strategy.’ Shares in Card Factory were down 1.6% at 68.50 pence on Wednesday afternoon in London. Copyright 2026 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
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