Clintons spoils Birthdays party

Like for like sales for the Clinton brand for the six months to 31 July declined 1.3% and for the Birthdays brand by 1.5%. The reported operating loss was £15.2 million (2004: profit of £4.0 million) and loss before tax was £17.6 million (2004: profit of £4.1 million).

The Birthdays business shows like for like sales in the six month period declining by 1.5% but in the 12 weeks since the end of July, like for like sales have increased by 5.4% and year to date like for like sales are now only down 0.9%.

Don Lewin, Chairman of Clinton Cards PLC said 'Innovative products and our attention to range development ensures that the Group retains its position as the UK's premier chain of specialist card stores.'

'The next few weeks leading up to Christmas are not easy to predict but we are confident about our Christmas offering in both brands.'