Clinton Cards Share Discussion Threads

[imastu pidgitaswell] 05/1/2012 13:18

You don't think novelty balloons, hilarious (sic) saucy mugs and overpriced fluffy tat is upmarket?

Blimey, you're posh...



:-)

[m.t.glass] 05/1/2012 12:44

"..It's interesting to see that Clintons - which is fairly upmarket in card shop terms.."


Blimey! I tend to regard them as downmarket and trashy. Pricey, yes. But not premium in style or atmosphere.

[clocktower] 05/1/2012 12:22

Closing Birthdays is on the cards without doubt but suppliers have suffered in the past from Clintons closures and will make sure they are not hit again I assume. With the changes in the pattern of card purchases, I think you will soon see the whole group suffering from the effects of this and poor stock replacement.

I see the share price is already starting to lose the small gains made this morning.

[hoper2] 05/1/2012 11:44

You maybe right, but all the points you make apply to nearly all medium sized retaillers at the moment. I think in the circumstances CC are doing OK. It's interesting to see that Clintons - which is fairly upmarket in card shop terms -is doing much better than Birthdays. It's a shame for the workforce, but I can see Birthdays being put into administration, it's been a drain on Clintons for far too long. If I remember right they recently secured their loans, which should ensure they are around for a while yet. The share price could drop a little, but medium term if there is any recovery in the economy, it could surprise you.

[clocktower] 05/1/2012 11:04

I take it these figures are based on a like for like basis hoper2.

How many loss making stores have they closed since last year and at what cost?

Have they closed some stores but kept paying the rent until such time as they can transfer the leases, and if so what will these costs do to thew bottom line?

Sales maybe have dropped by 1.4% ( which you think is ok) but at a cost of margin? Discounting to compete? Selling higher volumes of lower priced product that may cost more to handle per customer for example? Slashing prices to improve cash flow leaving stores short of stock (which will need replacing at some point if they are to survive)and effecting Jan sales. Remember it will be Valentines Day before they see any reasonable turnover again.

I expect to see this fall well below it former lows as soon as we see the real numbers.

[hoper2] 05/1/2012 10:08

In these times many retailers would be happy with a 1.4% drop over 20 weeks, with the last few weeks - their busy period - rising to a plus 0.4%. Not long or short, just observing - it's not great, but it's not a bad performance either.

[lennonsalive] 05/1/2012 09:11

Where I live Cheltenham, you have two Clintons, Hallmarks, Card Factory and another card shops. Plus all the Supermarkets, WHSmiths, Boots.

[m.t.glass] 05/1/2012 09:04

But such a tiny improvement as to be within the flickering of random movements week by week - and thus very fragile. New boss will doubtless be issuing some heavier statistics ahead of whatever surgery he plans next.

[lennonsalive] 05/1/2012 09:04

Birthdays looks like a very bad buy, still loss making. Well done Clintons on your .4% improvement.

[l2user] 05/1/2012 08:59

Clinton Cards reports improved trading over Christmas
8:46 am by Giles Gwinnett

[lennonsalive] 03/1/2012 16:25

EDIT Thursday should be interesting, statement time!

[clocktower] 23/12/2011 10:04

Still money in it for shorters imo. How long have Clinton got before they go the way of Blacks?

[m.t.glass] 09/12/2011 09:56

Ah, i stand corrected on that. I misread their own recent statements as meaning they were new to it. The company doesn't have the money to promote it I guess.

[lennonsalive] 09/12/2011 09:31

They've had a online card creator for years, however havent bothered to advertise it. I just dont think consumers have the money to buy expensive cards at £3-5 a shot from Clintons.

[m.t.glass] 09/12/2011 09:25

And 6 minutes later it duly bounces up from 10p. For now at least.

[m.t.glass] 09/12/2011 08:57

Arguably some previous (Sept/Oct) support around this 10p level. But not very solid. I know they've (belatedly) climbed aboard the interactive online bandwagon, but only recently - so I am presuming they remain largely dependent on shop sales, when latest BRC figures for general high street footfall are down.

[m.t.glass] 15/11/2011 11:22

They've just aired their first TV advert in 7 years - featuring their interactive cards.

[lennonsalive] 12/11/2011 22:12

Clintons are also selling cards online, however Moooonnnn Piiiiggg (sing it), have advertised so well they I feel are embeded in everyones mind when they go to order a card online.

[clocktower] 12/11/2011 14:38

Agreed loganair, they also have a problem with certain supply chains I understand, as they had switched suppliers on certain top selling product streams. The supplier in question, has I understand been approached once again but due to losses previously suufered, they will not be offering the same terms or support I am informed.

[loganair] 12/11/2011 13:36

I think the Card Factory is a real problem for Clinton's. On a personal front for my wife and son being of better quality cards and wrapping paper from Clinton's for any one else cards from Card Factory.

Card Factory already had their Christmas cards in 2 weeks ago while Clinton's are advertising cards for some minorities New Year or Festival.

[clocktower] 12/11/2011 13:22

I can see nothing that can save this from having the finial nail driven in after Christmas. Following the losses at Birthdays and Clinton only making an operating profit of hundreds of thousands, it is doomed in the current climate imo.

The level of debt will drag it down and bear in mind any stock held is worth less than 10p in the £ in liquidation.

How do you explain the recent rise in the sp?

[dan de lion] 11/11/2011 17:38

Could be of interest:-

[lennonsalive] 04/11/2011 09:22

I wonder if investors are banking on Christmas to save CC.?

[m.t.glass] 04/11/2011 09:13

More than a little gain now, h2. Share price has climbed over 100% in 12 trading days. A remarkable bounce.