9_11_13_17_19_21_News Pages.qxp_9/11/13/15/19/23/25 07/05/2025 12:37 Page 9
NEWS TOP STORY
Clintons Returns To Profit The new look store unveil is days away As PG went to press, the unveiling of the new blueprint for Clintons’ retail stores was days away, with the final touches being put to the store concept that will be christened in Gateshead’s Metrocentre, which if successful will then be replicated throughout the estate. More good news is confirmation that Clintons returned to profit since being taken little over a year ago by the Taylor family through their Pillarbox Designs business. In the year to 29 June 2024, which includes four months under Pillarbox directors Paul Taylor and his son James heading it up, the retail business swung to a pre-tax profit of £8.1million from a £5.4m loss in the previous 12 months. According to the annual report and consolidated financial statements filed at Companies House under the name Esquire Retail, and signed by Paul on 27 March, the good news came despite a 14% drop in sales from £96.5m to £82.6m, as 15 stores were closed, leaving the estate trading from around 170 stores nationwide. The £3,930k borrowed before Pillarbox took over was repaid in full early in 2024 and no new finance was required for the remainder of the year. James told PG of plans for a new store concept set
Above: The last store Clintons makeover was back in 2012. Below: Paul (left) and James Taylor have been guiding Clintons for a year.
to be unveiled this month, but added that trading conditions for some Cardzone and Clintons store locations in Q1 this year had been “tough” although both Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day sales had been positive. “We are under no illusion that Q2 and the remainder of this year is going to be very tough,” said James. The annual report echoed this in the resume of the year’s trading: “The High Street continues to be unpredictable and the company is seeing reduced footfall in the stores year on year.” The recent report referenced the extra staffing costs which have just been imposed on businesses: “Like many other retailers, the company continues to face significant cost pressure on wages given the increases in the national minimum wage.”
The Art File barks in Selfridges’ windows
Above: Jo Scott in front of the Selfridges window and some of her Hounds paintings.
To check out one of The Art File’s new ranges before its PG Live launch, then just take a wander past Selfridges’ windows in London’s Oxford Street. Dogs are part of the iconic department store retailer’s Obsessions theme for
spring and summer, and paintings have been used to decorate the window – with two of the six on show from artist and former greeting card publisher Jo Scott. And her artworks are also part of The Art File’s upcoming Hounds By Jo Scott collection which will launch at PG Live on 3-4 June, slap bang in the middle of the four-month display at Selfridges, which runs through to July. Ged Mace, md of The Art File, said: “We’ve always loved Jo's work and are thrilled to announce Hounds By Jo Scott, all square format cards and we’re also producing a Hounds calendar for 2027.”
Easter Trading Hopped Up It was a case of bouncing bunnies over the Easter period with indie retailers reporting strong sales across the board as the sunshine and warmer weather kicked in. It was a cracking Easter at Highworth Emporium, where co-owner Aga Marsden said: “Our Easter trade overall was up 9% compared to last year so we were chuffed. Easter Saturday saw a real spike in Easter card sales – well beyond expectations. Our Easter cards sales were up 2% in volume” with individual cards outselling packs this year. Card sales held up well too for Hugs & Kisses’ owner Caroline Ranwell. “Easter does seem to get better every year with customers wanting titles as well as open Easter in singles and in packs. Our customers ask for Easter cards pretty early,” Caroline explained. At No14 Ampthill, owner Jo Barber said: “We had a really great Easter, much better than 2024, the warm weather certainly helped, as did the early start to the school holidays - and we had very little left over!” At Bailey’s three stores in Ainsdale, Crosby, and Maghull, owner Penny Bailey said her Easter card sales ended on a par with last year. Kaye Thurgood, who has two Sincerely Yours stores in Shenfield and Hornchurch, and said: “Both shops were extremely busy, we were up on trade the whole two weeks before Good Friday, and Saturday was really strong. Sales of Easter packs slow – possibly due to the price of stamps – but single Easter card sales were good.”
Above: It was choc-ablock at Highworth Emporium. Right: Ling’s pretty cards did well for Hugs & Kisses.
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