Highlights

  • Group revenue rose year-on-year, supported by acquired businesses and international operations.
  • UK store sales softened amid lower footfall during the key Christmas period.
  • FY26 adjusted profit guidance of GBP 55–60 million remains unchanged.

Card Factory plc (LSE:CARD), a UK-based retailer of greeting cards, gifts and celebration products, released a trading update for the eleven months ended 31 December 2025. The company reported that trading performance remained in line with the revised guidance issued in December 2025, with progress continuing across its strategic priorities despite a challenging consumer environment in the UK.

During the second half of the financial year, trading conditions were influenced by softer high-street footfall, particularly through the Christmas period. This backdrop affected UK store performance, while contributions from international and acquired businesses provided support at the Group level.

Christmas Period Shows Revenue Growth, Store Sales Under Pressure
For the November–December 2025 period, total Group revenue increased by 4.3% compared with the same period last year. However, performance at the store level reflected lower consumer traffic. Total store sales declined by 0.8%, while like-for-like (LFL) store revenue decreased by 1.2%.

The company attributed the store-level softness to broader UK consumer pressures and reduced footfall across shopping destinations, consistent with sector-wide trends highlighted by the BRC Footfall Monitor for December 2025.

Year-to-Date Revenue Lifted by Acquisitions
For the eleven months ended 31 December 2025, Card Factory reported total Group revenue of GBP 541.6 million, representing year-on-year growth of 7.3%. This increase was primarily supported by contributions from acquired businesses.

Total store sales for the period rose by 1.1%, while LFL store sales were flat. Acquired operations, including those in North America and the Republic of Ireland, performed in line with internal expectations. The integration of Funky Pigeon continued as planned and contributed to the overall revenue increase.

Cost Management and FY26 Outlook
Throughout the year, the Group continued to implement its “Simplify and Scale” programme, which helped offset ongoing cost inflation. The Board reaffirmed its expectation to deliver adjusted Profit Before Tax, excluding one-off and non-trading items, in the range of GBP 55 million to GBP 60 million for FY26.

The previously announced share purchase programme to meet future employee share scheme requirements was completed during FY26, with a total cost of GBP 5 million. The company also indicated that a progressive full-year dividend is expected to be declared in line with its capital allocation policy.

Share performance
Card Factory shares dip 2.16% to GBX 68.10 at time of writing on January 28, 2026.