Like-for-like revenues rose by just 2% in the 16 weeks to November 18. The figure included a 1.6% rise in sales at Clinton Cards outlets compared with a 2% increase for the previous nine weeks. Sales at Birthdays-branded stores rose by 3.1% against 48% previously.

Clinton said it hoped to make progress over the peak Christmas trading period and that it was confident about the products on offer from both brands.