The latest high street victim of the coronavirus is Thorntons. The chocolate retailer has
just announced that all of its 61 stores will no longer open their doors. This
would lead to the loss of 600 jobs.
Fans of the brand do not have to worry since their favourite
candy will still be available in supermarkets and other retailers. Its factory
in Alfreton, Derbyshire will keep producing chocolate for international
markets. According to the company, the 600 employees whose jobs are at risk
will obtain relocation support if they apply for vacancies at Thorntons’ sites in
Alfreton or Greenford in west London.
Even before the pandemic, Thorntons was already struggling.
In the year to the end of August 2019 it reported a loss of £36m. However, it
was hit pretty hard because the lockdowns occurred during its peak time. Indeed,
it could not operate for Christmas and two Easters.
To try to save itself, the firm had been testing another strategy. It was
investing in new store formats and cafes. Nonetheless, things did not go so
well since this idea has been abandoned.
Adam Goddard, Thorntons’
retail director advanced, “Unfortunately like many other retailers, the
obstacles we have faced and will continue to face on the high street are
too severe”.
Thorntons had been facing too many losses © Royalty-free image
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