Card Factory to begin closing stores

Card Factory will begin selectively closing stores within the next few days.

By Mark Casci Monday, 23rd March 2020, 8:39 am Updated Monday, 23rd March 2020, 8:41 am

All stores of the Wakefield-based firm remain open today.

However, in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the retailer confirmed it would begin closing stores after seeing "a very material drop in High Street footfall".

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In a trading update Card Factory said it had seen a satisfactory start to the financial year, particularly with regard to seasonal and everyday card sales.

Card Factory boss Karen Hubbard

It said: "The health and safety of our colleagues and customers remains our top priority and there are a number of measures and plans in place to ensure their continued welfare.

"The group continues to monitor the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation closely.

"Whilst all stores remained open for trading on Sunday 22 March, we are reviewing our approach and expect to begin selectively closing stores shortly on a temporary basis."

It also confirmed a detailed review of its investment plan across the group, with significant reductions in non-essential capex having been identified.