Card Factory, the retailer that helps others mark milestones, celebrated its own last year — it had been 25 years since it opened its first shop in Wakefield, Yorkshire. Staff across its more than 1,000 stores in Britain and Ireland hung up balloons and donned party hats to commemorate the event.

It describes itself as “a progressive, exciting and friendly company” that rewards its team with competitive packages and is “ambitious, passionate and forward thinking”. Card Factory says its management style is “open and honest, encouraging people to contribute to the business at every level”.

The business is undergoing a transformation under chief executive Darcy Willson-Rhymer, who joined in 2021. It is becoming an omnichannel retailer, selling its greeting cards, dressings and gifts through a variety of platforms. It has also moved to selling in supermarkets and has been testing new-format shops.

There have been changes made for staff, too, as a result of feedback from them. The company says some of the most well-received improvements have been in relation to its benefits offering, such as the introduction of company sick pay for everyone, as well as a significant increase in store manager salaries.

Green initiatives are part of company life. Most products are designed in-house, which means packaging can be reduced. The majority of cards are not wrapped, which cuts waste in the stores. That has reduced the company's carbon footprint, and has had a positive impact on waste-management costs.