Clinton Cards boss to refurbish stores and supply lines

Darcy Willson-Rymer, the chief executive of embattled high street favourite Clinton Cards, is looking at revamping shop layouts and streamlining supply lines as part of his strategic review.

Mr Willson-Rymer, who will this week issue a trading update on what has been a bleak Christmas for the high street, believes the shops are dated and that the way cards and gifts reach stores is inefficient. At present, the company's 17 major suppliers deliver to each of its 800 shops, which takes up staff time and could be centralised.

Mr Willson-Rymer, formerly Starbucks' managing director of UK and Ireland, joined Clinton last year with a remit to turn around the business. His review is also looking at customer service and opportunities to sell cards online.