Chocolate retailer Thorntons has announced plans to permanently shut all of its 61 stores, including those in Northern Ireland.
The retailer, which recently opened a flagship new store and cafe in Belfast s Arthur Square, in March 2020, said the changing dynamics of the high street had forced them to shift to a digital only focus.
603 jobs are set to be at risk, with the chocolate retailer also having stores in Derry and Craigavon. Read More
In a statement, Adam Goddard, retail director at Thorntons said: 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.
Chocolate retail chain Thorntons to shut all shops Thorntons opened a new Belfast city centre store on March 5 2020. 15 March, 2021 17:00
CHOCOLATE shop chain Thorntons is to shut all its stores, putting 603 jobs at risk.
It comes 12 months after it opened a brand new store in Belfast s Arthur Square with 20 staff. The retailer also ran a store in the Ards Shopping Centre and previously operated in Derry s Foyleside and Craigavon s Rushmere.
Thorntons said it has been hit hard by the pandemic, which has kept many of its stores shut for key periods around Christmas and Easter.
It said it has seen sales surge online and will invest in its grocery supply business as part of the shake-up of its operations.