News roundup--Clinton Cards, Aurora Fashions, Marks and Spencer

American Greetings has acquired the assets of Clinton Cards, including some 400 stores, saving 4,500 jobs. The US company says it has lined up a leadership team to run the new UK subsidiary. At least 350 remaining Clinton Cards stores will close.

Aurora Fashions has confirmed its next target for ecommerce expansion is the Netherlands. A Dutch multibrand website for Coast, Oasis and Warehouse will launch in September this year. Ahead of the launch Aurora will exit 11 Oasis and Warehouse concessions in Dutch department stores Vroom and Dressman as part of its strategy to extend its international reach without necessarily relying on bricks-and-mortar retail.

Marks & Spencer will open 50 M&S Bank branches within its stores over the next two years, creating up to 500 new jobs. The first branch is scheduled to open in July at Marks & Spencer’s flagship Marble Arch store. Branches will mirror M&S store opening hours and enable customers to bank while they shop, seven days a week. Customers will benefit from online banking, as well as UK-based call centres. A current account will be made available from autumn 2012 and customers can preregister their interest in July, mortgages will be offered by the bank at a later date.