Thorntons: More than 100 locations where stores are NOT closing down

THORNTONS has confirmed plans to shut all its company-owned shops, but more than 100 franchise stores that sell its goods are unaffected by the closures. 

The chocolatier said it has been hit hard by the coronavirus crisis, which has forced its shops to shut for months at a time over the last year.

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Thorntons shops are currently closed across England, Wales and Scotland, in a move that's impacted sales across key periods like Easter and Christmas.

It’s now been confirmed 61 company-owned branches won’t reopen when lockdown ends - but franchise stores will open for business.

These are stores that sell Thorntons goods, or use its name within a wider retail environment, but are run independently.

Confirming the news yesterday, its owner Ferrero said Thorntons would also continue to sell chocolate online via its website.

Thorntons will sell chocs through other shops where they are stocked such as supermarkets as well.

Non-essential shops are expected to open again on April 12 under plans for the country to leave lockdown.

But Thorntons isn't the only company to confirm its shops won't reopen - we've listed all the high street chains that you won't see again.

Adam Goddard, retail director at Thorntons, said: "Unfortunately, like many others, the obstacles we have faced and will continue to face on the high street are too severe.

"We understand that this will be an uncertain and concerning time for our colleagues and we will actively support them during this period of consultation."

Which Thorntons shops are not closing down?

Thorntons works with 104 franchise stores that sell Thorntons products or use its name, but are run independently.

This can include cards stores, gift stores and post offices.

These stores are not affected by the closures.

We've listed the locations of these franchise stores in the box below.

Which Thorntons shops are closing?

Shops that are directly owned by Thorntons won't be reopening once lockdown restrictions are lifted.

In total, there are 61 branches that are shutting.

The move is expected to put 603 jobs at risk across the chocolate chain.

You can see which places are closing in the box below.

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Meanwhile, in August 2020 it was estimated that over 43,000 retail jobs have been axed since the start of coronavirus lockdown.

When will Primark, Argos, H&M and Dunelm reopen after lockdown? We explain all you need to know.