Customers who receive Christmas cards from companies are more loyal and more likely to give them business in the new year, according to research.

A survey by Royal Mail and TNS showed 61% of customers who got a Christmas card from a company such as a high-street store or local restaurant were prompted to make a purchase and 15% said it made them feel valued and more loyal to the company.

The increase in spend resulting from Christmas cards equates to a potential sales uplift for UK business of over £1 billion or a return on investment of £1:£100.

More than half of company Christmas card recipients (55%) displayed them prominently among personal cards compared with 63% who deleted seasons greetings emails from organisations.