British card chain confirms sudden store closure as it battles ‘rising costs’

A POPULAR card store in a major train station has closed down after seven years. The family-run business has been a staple on high streets for over 30 years, but has now shut its doors unexpectedly. A popular greetings card shop has been closed after seven years of serving customers Credit: Leon Neal Cards Galore in London Bridge was a hotspot for commuters getting on the tube (stock picture) Credit: Alamy Cards Galore has closed its store in The Shard Quarter Retail Arcade in central London. A Cards Galore spokesperson said that rising rent, rates, and staff cost made running the unit “unsustainable”. Sign up for the Money newsletter Thank you! Based inside London Bridge tube station since 2019, the store was a popular stop for commuters and visitors. This location was part of a number of Cards Galore branches based in train stations, including both the London Underground and National Rail. Now, customers have been redirected to an alternative Cards Galore store on Borough Market High Street, or in the upper concourse of London Bridge Station. Cards Galore is a 30-year-old family business, primarily selling specialist greetings cards and a range of gifts for all celebrations. Its estate is primarily based in London, with stores inside major stations such as Liverpool Street, Victoria, Paddington, and more. The greetings card retailer also has a store in Manchester’s Piccadilly station, the only location outside of the capital. Most read in Money In 2021, Cards Galore was plunged into administration after facing financial difficulties through the COVID 19 pandemic. Prior to its administration, the store had 50 branches – but now, it has 30 stores. According to the spokesperson, a number of stores have shut in the Retail Arcade in the past few years, including a Starbucks, and a hairdresser that he suggests may turn into a grocery store. No other Cards Galore stores have been confirmed to be closed at this stage. Comment now