British chocolatier and retailer Thorntons has announced that it will permanently close all 61 UK stores, putting over 600 jobs at risk. The company cited pandemic as a major cause for the decision, as it was forced to have its stores shut during the crucial for the company Christmas and Easter holidays. Thorntons, which was acquired by Italian group Ferrero in 2015 for €130m said the challenges it faced to trading were “too severe” and it would enter consultation with impacted staff. The group retains factories in Alfreton, central England, and Greenford, west London.
"The obstacles we have faced and will continue to face on the High Street are too severe," said Thorntons retail director Adam Goddard. "Despite our best efforts, we have taken the difficult decision to permanently close our retail store estate."
