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North-west greetings card retailer, Card Express, has closed its branches in the region, including Stockport, as it files a notice to appoint administrators in a further blow to the high street.
The Bury-headquartered chain was established in 2009 by Birthdays founder Ron Wood, who retains a 35% stake in the business. The chain operated eight stores in the North-west at its peak. Card Express unexpectedly ceased trading on 17th September from its six stores in Stockport, Crewe, Warrington, Wrexham, Wythenshawe and Thornton-Cleveleys.
On 19th September, the retailer filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators, giving the firm seven days reprieve from creditors to either reorganise or fall into administration. A statement posted on the Wythenshawe branch’s Facebook page indicated store staff were not notified of the store closure until the afternoon of the last day’s trading. The statement reads:
“It is with a sad and heavy heart that we were told yesterday afternoon that Card Express has ceased trading.
“We would like to thank all our loyal customers for their support throughout our years of trading.
“For any customers with balloon orders, we will be contacting you to discuss the options.
“Thank you again and we hope to see you again.”
Card Express’ most recent accounts filed with Companies House reveal the business had on average 54 employees in the year ending June 2022. The retail job losses at Card Express follow around 12,000 job losses in the sector nationwide when household goods retailer, Wilko, appointed administrators in August.
Pictured: Card Express store on Warren Street, Stockport (Image via Google Maps)