Clinton announces profits growth

Greeting cards firm Clinton Cards said it was well-set to weather high street gloom today after growing first half sales and profits.

The Essex-based retailer achieved like-for-like sales growth of 2% in the 26 weeks to January 27 - led by a 4.7% rise for its Birthdays brand - with underlying pre-tax profits 18% ahead at £24.4m (€31.15m).