In another blow to the High Street,the Chocolate retailer Thorntons has announced plans to permanently shut all its 61 stores with 603 jobs impacted.
The Sheffield based Company released a statement which said the business would continue to trade online:
It read: “Like many companies, we have been operating for a long time in a tough and challenging retail environment.We have been committed to transforming and growing a successful Thorntons retail estate; this has included significant investments to open new format stores and cafes and ensuring we had stores in the right locations…
“Despite our best efforts we have taken the difficult decision to go into full consultation to start the permanent closure of our retail store estate. We understand that this will be an uncertain and concerning time for our colleagues and we will actively support them during this period.”
“the firm has seen strong growth online and in grocery channels with our partners” and continued: “As customers continue to change the way they shop, we must change with them.
“We have seen a strong growth in Thorntons.co.uk and this will remain a key focus for us in continuing to provide you with your favourite Thorntons ranges, including our unique personalisation offering.
“In addition, we continue to invest in building our brand in grocery channels with our partners in order to meet the demand from you, our loyal customers.
“We remain committed to our iconic Thorntons brand and will continue to invest further in the future potential to ensure we evolve with the times.”
