Cardgains is a trading division of Bridewell UK Limited, which became a limited company with member shareholders on July 1st 1984, though was in existence for a number of years before then.

Cardgains was ‘born’ in 1989, so celebrates its 20th Anniversary in 2009. Cardgains continues to increase membership figures year on year as more retailers realise the benefits available.

With fantastic support from the recommended portfolio of suppliers and from members, as well as continuous efforts to build relationships in the industry, development in procedures and account handling, Cardgains continues to raise its profile and negotiate with more companies and for better member terms on an annual basis.

In difficult trading times, Cardgains strives to assist members by focusing on areas of the portfolio where they can maximise the trading terms and use the suppliers to their maximum potential.

The portfolio covers not only greetings cards and gifts, but companies from all aspects of retailing including giftwrap, stationery, gifts, partyware and financial and service providers.

Mission Statement...

Since the inception of Bridewell UK in 1984 and Cardgains in 1989, the objectives of the Company have remained the same.
Our “Mission Statement” is...
...to improve the buying cost of both products and services in order to increase the retail margin, giving greater profitability and therefore greater trading security.
...to offer a centralised administrative service to simplify in-store administration to an agreeable level.
...to create a central point of negotiation and communication between the independent retailer and product suppliers
...to achieve all of the above without compromising the independence of the individual member

The success of Cardgains is the three-way partnership between the supplier, the member and Cardgains.
By following the guidelines laid down, members can achieve annual bonuses from Cardgains and its suppliers.
The suppliers offer service and commitment to individual retailers and the members show their support by concentrating on suppliers in the Cardgains portfolio.
Jointly targeting non-Cardgains footage in-store strengthens the Cardgains supplier coverage, focuses the member on optimising sales potential and brings a higher percentage of members’ turnover through the system, benefiting all parties.