CARDZONE CELEBRATE 100 STORES

Retail News

Nottinghamshire based Cardzone have now hit the 100 store mark following the recent acquisition of the Hallmark Retail business which trades from 14 Outlet Centres including McArthur Glen East Midlands near Mansfield and the Springfields Outlet Centre at Spalding.

In addition, other “high street” acquisitions of the core Cardzone business in the last quarter of 2016 include new branches in Ludlow, Beeston, Melton Mowbray and Ashton Under Lyne.  A number of these new stores will trade under the combined Cardzone/Home & Fragrance fascia offering greeting cards/novelty gifts and the branded candle and accessories range.

Mark Bradley of FHP Property Consultants who acts for Cardzone in connection with their property matters commented:-

“It has been an extremely successful year for Cardzone with the acquisition of the Hallmark Retail business in the UK.  This has opened up substantial opportunities to further grow the business in outlet centres, shopping centres and high street locations.  The improved strength of the Cardzone covenant will also benefit new and existing landlords and help to re-position the company profile and secure new stores in major centres.”

Mark added “In addition to the acquisitions, I have also been instrumental in achieving a number of lease re-gearing opportunities on the existing branch portfolio resulting in reduced rents or rent free incentives for an extended lease term, all of which produce immediate savings directly to the bottom line of the business.”

Cardzone will be looking to acquire further units in 2017 in major towns and cities within the geographical area bounded by the M62 and M4 Corridors and will also be looking to expand by the acquisition of independent card and gift businesses.