Jobs under threat in Welwyn Garden City as greeting card chain goes into administration
SIX jobs are under threat in WGC after a national greeting card chain slipped into administration. Birthdays, which is owned by Clinton Cards, called in administrators Zolfo Cooper on Wednesday, after incurring losses of
SIX jobs are under threat in WGC after a national greeting card chain slipped into administration.
Birthdays, which is owned by Clinton Cards, called in administrators Zolfo Cooper on Wednesday, after incurring losses of around �7m a year since 2004.
The company has 332 UK stores and employs about 2,100 people, including half-a-dozen in its Howard Centre outlet.
Speaking to the WHT, Clinton Cards chairman Don Lewin expressed his "deep regret" at the situation.
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"Everyone at Birthdays has worked tirelessly to try and turn the business around," he said, "and I would like to thank everybody for their hard work over the past five years.
"Nevertheless, the group cannot sustain losses of approximately �7m a year with limited opportunity to improve on that performance in the foreseeable future."
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He added: "It is sad we have reached this position, but this action will be earnings enhancing for Clintons and I have every confidence in the future of our business."
Peter Saville, for Zolfo Cooper, said that, for now, it remained "business as usual" for Birthdays.
"We will be continuing to trade while we explore all options," he said.
"We remain hopeful of securing the future of the business despite the harsh trading environment at present.
"These stores have a strong brand identity and are predominantly situated in excellent retail locations and there are still plenty of opportunities to succeed on the high street.
