High street chain with 150 stores confirms 50% off sale as it announces closure

A British high street chain is set to shut one of its stores in a matter of days as it reveals a 50% off closing down sale. The store is cutting prices on its remaining stock to help clear it before the final closing date. It comes after the chain closed a number of other stores, joining other big high street names that have shut locations in recent years.

Cardzone has confirmed that it is closing down its branch in Sheffield, with remaining stock going for half price. The store will close for the last time on Saturday, September 5. Posters had initially advertised discounts of 30%, which have now been increased to half price. Reports say that nine Cardzone stores have already closed, with the Sheffield store set to be the latest to close by September 5.

Cardzone had previously closed a number of stores in 2024. This year, recent closures include a branch in Newport in July and a branch in Didcot.

“The business leases the majority of its locations, which comes with inherent risks,” Cardzone said in its latest financial statements. “Most stores operate under leases lasting less than five years, and there are no guarantees that lease renegotiations will be successful.”

The wider industry has struggled in recent years. Cardzone’s rival company, Clinton Cards, for example, had shut 38 of its then 179 shops, around 20%, in 2023.

Industry figures have warned of the challenges being faced by high street stores, including changing customer habits due to the rise of online shopping, and increased costs such as energy and business rates.