Thorntons, the Sheffield-founded chocolate company has announced that it is set to close all 61 of its stores across the UK. It is set to go into full consultation and risks making 600 employees redundant.
They’ve released a statement publically that stated “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.”
It seems the company is going to continue to push ahead with their online sales, as per the statement that says: “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.”
Thorntons was established in Sheffield in 1911 by Joseph William Thornton and his father, in 1911 and bought out by Italian company Ferrero in June 2015 for £112m.
People have been saddened by the news from one of the nation’s most iconic chocolate shops. Usually a place of celebration, it joins other high street shops that have had to close recently. Customers have been sharing their thoughts and feelings online:
Other household named to close where the ever iconic Topshop and MIss Selfridges whose shops closed for good, while their online shops where kept. They were bought by ASOS and Boohoo.
Aldi, bargain supermarket brand offered out an little bit of hope when it announced it aimed to create 4,000 new jobs across the UK this year.
This is a breaking news story, more to follow…
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