Clinton Cards moots drive into value retailing

Clinton Cards is mooting a push into value retail, as it approaches saturation point in the UK over the next five years.

There are 739 Clinton Cards stores, including four in Ireland, with a target of 1,000 set for 2009. However, managing director Clinton Lewin said there are opportunities in the value sector - occupied at present by Birthdays and Card Warehouse - and, potentially, in the US, where Clintons has strong contacts with major suppliers.

Pre-tax profit climbed 8.5 per cent to£27 million for the year to February 1 and sales rose 7.1 per cent to£395 million. Like-for-like sales were 2.7 per cent ahead.