The celebration occasions market we operate in
For nearly three decades, cardfactory has helped millions of customers celebrate life’s moments, initially through great value greeting cards and increasingly through a broader offer spanning gifts and celebration essentials. As customer expectations have evolved, so too has the scope of the UK celebration occasions market, which is comprised of three core categories.
The UK addressable market for celebration occasions is large, estimated to be worth c.£14.9 billion. This includes the greeting cards market at £1.6 billion, gifts at £11.8 billion the celebration essentials market at £1.5 billion.
Greeting cards
Cards purchased in-store or online to help customers express and share messages across a wide variety of celebrations and milestones from birthdays, weddings and new arrivals to congratulations, graduations and new home occasions.
Gifts
Items purchased to mark an occasion, either alone or alongside a card. This includes stationery, craft, small toys, books, candles, mugs, glassware, homewares, novelty gifts and other small keepsakes.
Celebration essentials
Products that turn a moment into a celebration, including balloons, party ranges, banners, gift wrap and gift bags.
Greeting cards (UK)
c. £1.6bn
The current core of our business.
Gifts (UK)
c. £11.8bn
Includes categories such as soft toys, stationery, books, candles and confectionery.
Celebration essentials
c. £1.5bn
Includes party and balloon categories alongside other card adjacent categories such as wrap, bags, tape and stamps.
Source: Global Data 2026.
International market presence and opportunity
Bringing our exceptional card, gift and celebration essentials offer to global consumers.
In recent years, we have been using our proven partnerships model to expand our reach internationally as we access an £80 billion market across our seven territories of interest; USA, Canada, Middle East, India, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
cardfactory’s international expansion has been supported by targeted acquisitions to enhance capabilities in key territories. This started with the acquisition of SA Greetings (South Africa) in April 2023, Garlanna (Ireland) in September 2024 and Garven (Minnesota, US) in December 2024.
c. £80bn+
Card, gifts and celebration essentials market size
7
Markets of interest
USA, Canada, Middle East, India, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa