Thorntons set to close all stores with 600 jobs at risk

Chocolate shop chain Thorntons is to shut all stores – putting more than 600 jobs at risk.

The British company has announced it is entering a full consultation, referencing a “tough and challenging retail environment”.

Bosses said “despite… best efforts” it would look at closing all 61 stores with 603 jobs impacted.

The confectionary giant has outlets in Glasgow, Dumbarton, Dunfermline, Fraserburgh, Greenock, Gretna Green, Helensburgh, Inverness, Inverurie, Irvine, Leven, Livingston, Stirling and Uddingston.

A company statement said its website had seen “strong growth” and would “remain a key focus”.

A statement from Thorntons 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.

“However, changing dynamics of the high street, shifting customer behaviour to online, the ongoing impact of Covid-19 and the numerous lockdown restrictions over the last year – especially during our key trading periods at Easter and Christmas – has meant we have been operating in the most challenging circumstances.

“Unfortunately like many other retailers, the obstacles we have faced and will continue to face on the high street are too severe. 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.

“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.”