Chocolate retailer Thorntons has announced plans to permanently shut down all its 61 stores, putting 603 jobs at risk. It brought to attention a business switch to online-only, as several UK high street businesses pivot away from bricks-and-mortar. Thorntons said it saw sales surge online, and that it will invest in its grocery supply business as part of the shake-up.
Adam Goddard, retail director at Thorntons, said, “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 trading in the most challenging circumstances.”
He added, “Unfortunately like many others, the obstacles we have faced and will continue to face on the high street are too severe and despite our best efforts we have taken the difficult decision to permanently close our retail store estate. We will now go into full consultation with our colleagues.”
