Modern Slavery Statement for Financial Year 2016/17

This statement is made pursuant to Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and constitutes the slavery and human trafficking transparency statement for the 2016/2017 financial year of AG Retail Cards Limited, trading as Clintons (“Clintons”).  Clintons is a leading retailer of greeting cards, gifts and wrap.  As of January 2017, Clintons operated approximately 400 stores all over the United Kingdom, including Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands as well as a transactional website.  Clinton’s sources its products from Suppliers around the world, including the Asia-Pacific region, the United States and the United Kingdom.

Clintons recognizes the unfortunate reality that modern slavery encompasses slavery, servitude, human trafficking and forced labour and is committed to responsible corporate citizenship by endeavouring to eliminate all forms of modern slavery from its supply chain. Clintons expects each of its suppliers to operate their businesses with integrity and in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including those addressing modern slavery.  Violation of laws or suspicion of violation of Clintons’ code of conduct for suppliers which, among other things, prohibits forced labour and trafficking, may result in the termination  of our business relationship with a supplier. 

During this fiscal year, Clintons has used independent, third party, social compliance auditors as needed to evaluate supplier compliance with company standards, including but not limited to prohibitions on human trafficking and slavery in supply chains. Audits not only include inspection of facilities, but extend to review of documents, records, policies, and procedures. Both group and individual worker interviews were also conducted as part of such audits. 

Clintons is developing a training program for employees and management who have direct responsibility for supply chain management on social compliance issues, particularly with respect to mitigating risks within the supply chain.

Clintons shall continue to encourage strong relationships with its supply chain partners with the aim of endeavouring to eliminate all forms of modern slavery from its supply chain.