Latest news with #Clintons
Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Popular card chain launches closing down sale as it shuts more stores
Clintons closed 38 stores leading to over 300 jobs losses in the previous financial year. A leading card retailer has kicked off a massive closing down sale as it continues to close more outlets. Clintons saw 38 of its stores shut down, resulting in over 300 job losses during the last financial year. In its most recent financial briefing, the firm conceded that further store closures could be on the cards. The Rugby Central branch of Clintons is set to shut its doors following the launch of a closing down sale, The Sun reports. Although an exact date hasn't been confirmed, Warwickshire World was informed by employees that "it could be next April.", reports the Express. Last month, the Keighley store in West Yorkshire bid farewell to customers on June 14. Leading up to its closure, the shop slashed prices by 20 per cent across various products. Leamington Spa's outlet also enticed shoppers with discounts of up to 50 per cent in an "everything must go" sale. The final closure date for the Warwickshire store has not yet been announced. April saw two additional Clintons stores in Halifax and Andover close permanently. Why are Clintons Cards shops shutting down? Clintons has cited escalating costs due to labour tax increases and the rising minimum wage as reasons for some of its stores becoming financially unsustainable. The well-known card chain reported a pre-tax profit of £8 million for the financial year ending 29 June 2024, marking a significant recovery from a £5.3 million pre-tax loss the year before. Pillarbox Designs took ownership of Clintons in March 2024. A statement from Clintons revealed: "The company has continued to close loss-making stores and the portfolio of retail stores is now down to approximately 170 high street continues to be unpredictable and the company is seeing reduced footfall in the stores year on company continues to monitor the performance of the existing estate and to close the poor performing stores, which, whilst impacting on turnover, should improve profitability moving forwards." Is Rachel Reeves to blame for Clintons Cards closures? Moreover, the threshold at which these contributions must be paid has been reduced from £9,100 to £5,000. These alterations to the tax system were announced by the Chancellor in the Autumn Budget last October and took effect on 1 April. Simultaneously, the national minimum wage experienced a significant rise, climbing to £12.21 per hour. For employees aged 18-20, the minimum wage jumped by £1.40 to £10 per hour. Clintons first opened its doors back in 1968 - and swiftly established itself as a destination for Britons seeking greeting cards. During its heyday, the chain operated more than 1,000 outlets nationwide. This figure has now plummeted to merely 163 physical shops.
Scottish Sun
7 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Major card chain with 163 shops launches closing down sales ahead of shutting its doors for good
The company saw 300 job losses in the previous financial year BYE BYE Major card chain with 163 shops launches closing down sales ahead of shutting its doors for good Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MAJOR card chain has launched a closing down sale as it shuts more shops. Clintons closed 38 stores leading to over 300 jobs losses in the previous financial year. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Several Clintons branches have recently shut their doors following closing down sales Credit: Getty During its latest financial update, the company acknowledged the possibility of additional closures. One of its branches in Rugby Central is set to close after it recently launched a closing down sale. While they haven't yet confirmed a date, staff told Warwickshire World that "it could be next April". Last month its Keighley, West Yorkshire store closed its doors on June 14. In the run up to the closure, the store offered 20 per cent discounts across items. Another store in Leamington Spa was offering discounts of up to 50 per cent as part of an "everything must go" sale. The Warwickshire branch is yet to announce a final closure date. Two other stores - in Halifax and Andover - shut for good in April. The closures come even after a financial turnaround that saw it return to profit. Clintons said that rising costs driven by labour tax hikes and the increasing minimum wage continued to make some of its stores financially unviable. The popular card shop announced a pre-tax profit of £8 million for the financial year ending 29 June 2024. Costa Coffee Shuts Whitstable Branch: What Shop Closures Mean for UK High Streets It was a notable turnaround from the previous financial year which saw a £5.3 million pre-tax loss. In March 2024, the company was acquired by Pillarbox Designs. A statement from Clintons read: "The company has continued to close loss-making stores and the portfolio of retail stores is now down to approximately 170 stores. "The high street continues to be unpredictable and the company is seeing reduced footfall in the stores year on year. "The company continues to monitor the performance of the existing estate and to close the poor performing stores, which, whilst impacting on turnover, should improve profitability moving forwards." Like many businesses, Clintons now faces higher employer national insurance contributions, which have risen from 13.8% to 15%. Additionally, the threshold at which these contributions must be paid has been lowered from £9,100 to £5,000. These changes to the tax system were confirmed by the Chancellor in the Autumn Budget last October and came into effect on 1 April. At the same time, the national minimum wage saw a notable increase, rising to £12.21 per hour. For workers aged 18-20, the minimum wage increased by £1.40 to £10 per hour. Clintons was first launched back in 1968 - and quickly became a go-to for Brits looking for greetings cards. At its peak the chain boasted more than 1,000 branches across the country. This has now dropped to just 163 brick-and-mortar stores.
The Sun
7 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Major card chain with 163 shops launches closing down sales ahead of shutting its doors for good
A MAJOR card chain has launched a closing down sale as it shuts more shops. Clintons closed 38 stores leading to over 300 jobs losses in the previous financial year. 2 During its latest financial update, the company acknowledged the possibility of additional closures. One of its branches in Rugby Central is set to close after it recently launched a closing down sale. While they haven't yet confirmed a date, staff told Warwickshire World that "it could be next April". Last month its Keighley, West Yorkshire store closed its doors on June 14. In the run up to the closure, the store offered 20 per cent discounts across items. Another store in Leamington Spa was offering discounts of up to 50 per cent as part of an "everything must go" sale. The Warwickshire branch is yet to announce a final closure date. Two other stores - in Halifax and Andover - shut for good in April. The closures come even after a financial turnaround that saw it return to profit. Clintons said that rising costs driven by labour tax hikes and the increasing minimum wage continued to make some of its stores financially unviable. The popular card shop announced a pre-tax profit of £8 million for the financial year ending 29 June 2024. It was a notable turnaround from the previous financial year which saw a £5.3 million pre-tax loss. In March 2024, the company was acquired by Pillarbox Designs. A statement from Clintons read: "The company has continued to close loss-making stores and the portfolio of retail stores is now down to approximately 170 stores. "The high street continues to be unpredictable and the company is seeing reduced footfall in the stores year on year. "The company continues to monitor the performance of the existing estate and to close the poor performing stores, which, whilst impacting on turnover, should improve profitability moving forwards." Like many businesses, Clintons now faces higher employer national insurance contributions, which have risen from 13.8% to 15%. Additionally, the threshold at which these contributions must be paid has been lowered from £9,100 to £5,000. These changes to the tax system were confirmed by the Chancellor in the Autumn Budget last October and came into effect on 1 April. At the same time, the national minimum wage saw a notable increase, rising to £12.21 per hour. For workers aged 18-20, the minimum wage increased by £1.40 to £10 per hour. Clintons was first launched back in 1968 - and quickly became a go-to for Brits looking for greetings cards. At its peak the chain boasted more than 1,000 branches across the country. This has now dropped to just 163 brick-and-mortar stores. 2
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Clintons to reopen Metrocentre store with free gifts after refurbishment
A 'beloved' greeting card and gift retailer is set to reopen a flagship store in the North East after a major transformation. Clintons, which has locations across the UK, has announced the grand reopening of its completely refurbished store in the Metrocentre, Gateshead. The reopening on Saturday, June 7, will be celebrated with an event featuring free gifts and limited-time offers. James Taylor, Clintons trading director, said: "We're incredibly excited to unveil the first Clintons 2.0 store at Metrocentre. "This new store design marks an exciting step forward for Clintons, creating a modern and interactive shopping experience for our customers. "With a complete overhaul and relaunch of greeting cards, an expanded gifting range, and exclusive product offerings, we believe our customers will love the refreshed store. "We're also thrilled to celebrate the launch with our goody bags, featuring the much-loved Popling plush toy from our new Poppy & Duckling range." The first 250 customers who spend just £1 will receive a goody bag filled with surprises, including a Clintons tote bag, greeting cards, and a Popling plush toy from the brand's exclusive Poppy & Duckling range. Customers spending over £10 will be given a VIP goody bag worth at least £30. The new store has a sleek, modern design, with a brand-new layout made to provide an improved shopping experience. This includes updated fixtures and expanded gifting zones. The store also boasts a new card-writing station, inviting visitors to personalise their purchases in-store. A new celebration-ready party section has also been introduced, fully stocked with helium balloons, banners, and badges. In addition to this, the store will also host a Stitch figurine giveaway, with an in-store QR code providing the chance to win this collectible. 'People cannot do their shopping anymore': Concern over County Durham bus services County Durham patients are first to undergo revolutionary heart procedure Vacant County Durham building to be turned into takeaway after plans approved A Disney Traditions event will also take place, with all Disney figurines in-store reduced by 40 per cent or more for a limited time. Centre director at Metrocentre, Gavin Prior, said: "We're delighted to see Clintons unveil its newly refurbished store in Platinum Mall at Metrocentre. "Clintons has long been a favourite with our visitors, and we're proud to be part of the brand's evolution, bringing exclusive products and interactive elements to Metrocentre."
USA Today
25-02-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Why did Joy Reid leave her MSNBC show? What is replacing 'The ReidOut'? What to know
Why did Joy Reid leave her MSNBC show? What is replacing 'The ReidOut'? What to know Show Caption Hide Caption Lester Holt, Joy Reid leave TV anchor gigs amid shuffling lineups Joy Reid and Lester Holt are the latest to leave their positions as television news adjusts to changing audience habits. Joy Reid's MSNBC show "The ReidOut" has come to an end, as the political commentator and television host is leaving the network. USA TODAY reports Rebecca Kutler, who officially took over as MSNBC's president earlier this month, announced several programming changes at the liberal-leaning cable news network. As part of the shakeup, Reid's show has been canceled after five years on air, and she is leaving the network. Here's what you should know about the show's cancellation and "The ReidOut's" final broadcast. What happened to Joy Reid at MSNBC? Joy Reid's MSNBC show "The ReidOut" has been canceled, and Reid is leaving the network. Why did Joy Reid's show get canceled by MSNBC? According to USA TODAY, "The ReidOut" show was a "casualty" in the wide programming shakeup at MSNBC. The cancellation came amid a revamping of MSNBC's lineup by president Rebecca Kutler, who replaced former network president Rashida Jones in early February. Before succeeding Jones as president, Kutler was MSNBC's senior vice president of content strategy. While addressing MSNBC leaders in February, she said the year ahead would involve "getting to build a new news organization," which is "going to be hard, but it's also going to be exciting and interesting and a really important time to do what all of us do." Reid confirmed the cancellation of "The ReidOut" across her accounts on Blue Sky, Facebook and Instagram, thanking "everyone who has reached out with kindness and encouragement." She also said she is "so very proud" of her team at "The ReidOut." In a staff memo, Kutler thanked Reid for "her countless contributions over the years." When is Joy Reid's last show? The final broadcast of "The ReidOut" aired at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24. Who will replace Joy Reid? In the coming weeks, Reid's 7 p.m. ET hour will be filled by a series of rotating anchors, including Symone Sanders-Townsend, Michael Steele and Alicia Menendez, who currently host "The Weekend" on Saturdays and Sundays. Sanders-Townsend has served as an adviser and spokesperson for former Vice President Kamala Harris, while Steele is a former chair of the Republican National Committee. Kutler also announced Monday that a new trio of hosts will anchor morning and evening editions of "The Weekend." Jonathan Capehart will be among the morning hosts, while the evening lineup will include Ayman Mohyeldin. Who is Joy Reid? Aside from hosting "The ReidOut," Joy Reid also served as host of MSNBC's "A.M. Joy." She is known for providing sharp political analysis, and is a leading voice on race, Trump administration policies and the media. Reid has published several books, including "Fracture: Barack Obama, the Clintons, and the Racial Divide," "Medgar and Myrlie: Medgar Evers and the Love Story That Awakened America," and "The Man Who Sold America: Trump and the Unraveling of the American Story." Who owns MSNBC? MSNBC is a cable news channel owned by NBCUniversal, which is a subsidiary of Comcast. However, Comcast recently announced a plan to break off most of its cable TV networks, including MSNBC, from NBC News into its own company, currently known as SpinCo. MSNBC would retain its name after the spinoff, according to USA TODAY.
