Shares of Wakefield-based greeting card and gift retailer Card Factory rose about 17% after it said it expects full year outturn “to be materially ahead of its’ previous expectations.”

In a trading update following the close of the first half to July 31, 2023, Card Factory said: “The positive start to the financial period, highlighted at the preliminary results, has continued.

“Trading in the first six months was materially ahead of the board’s expectations. 

“The macro backdrop continues to be uncertain, and there is still much to be delivered over the remainder of the year. 

“Nevertheless, given the strength of the performance in the first half, together with our current outlook for the second half, the board now expects the full year outturn to be materially ahead of its’ previous expectations.”