LONDON (ShareCast) - Greetings card retailer Clinton Cards said it remains cautious over the long term outlook as third quarter figures were hit by more challenging conditions.

“Sales during the third quarter of this financial year reflect the more challenging conditions now being experienced on the High Street and, whilst the Board remains comfortable with its current performance, we remain cautious over the long term outlook,” it said.

Clinton said for the 13 week period from 28 January to 27 April 2008, like for like sales rose 1.2%.
Like for like sales for the 39 week period to 27 April 2008 increased by 1.8%.

During the 13 week period the group opened 11 stores and closed 20, resulting in 1,063 stores overall in April 2008. Despite there being less stores, group sales for the 13 week period were slightly ahead at £108.5m versus £107.8m.

But for the 39 week period total group sales were down at £365.3m from £366m in 2007.

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