New stores show confidence continues to grow in greeting card retail sector
Continuing a strong show of faith in the greeting card retailing sector, Cardfactory, Cards Direct and Lark have expanded their store portfolios in the last few weeks.
The trio join Scribbler, Cardzone, Postmark and Ryman Design as among those to have already stated growth plans for 2024.
London and Walsall are the latest locations for Cardfactory with regional manager Maureen Whele thanking the team for their work merchandising the new Cheapside store which opened in the capital on Monday, 26 February.
Moving into the area which was vacated by Clintons after trade and footfall plummeted during the pandemic and rise of working from home, Maureen commented: “Cards and products unique to London received and welcomed by our new customers Celebrating Life’s Moments.”
And up in Walsall, Crown Wharf Retail Park saw a shiny new Cardfactory open on Friday, 23 February, with social media posts declaring: “Hey there Walsall! Are you ready to get this party started? Swing by and say hello – we can’t wait to meet you and add a sprinkle of fun to your celebrations!”
The new sites push the UK’s largest specialist greetings retailer near to 1,050 store mark as it continues with its growth plans.
Meanwhile, Hemel Hempstead-headquartered Cards Direct is also gathering pace as the recently-opened outlet in Maidenhead’s High Street takes its store portfolio almost to 70, Making People Smile, as the retailer’s motto says, from Bristol to Great Yarmouth, and Sheffield to the south coast.
Indie chain Lark London has also been continuing its retail expansion in Surrey with the recent opening of a new store in Weybridge, bringing its store estate to 19.
In keeping with its sister stores, the new Weybridge branch stocks a variety of products ranging from clothing to homeware, beauty, jewellery and children’s gifts and greeting cards.
“They’re our bread and butter,” said Priya Aurora-Crowe, who co-owns the retail group with husband Dominic. “Most customers come in to buy a card and then are quickly tempted by everything else that we offer.
“We’re so excited to be joining the lovely Weybridge community with our shiny new shop. Well done to our amazing Lark team for working so hard to get the shop open so quickly. We’re now looking forward to meeting the locals.”
