Chocolate maker Thorntons has said none of its stores will reopen after coronavirus lockdowns are lifted. The decision to close its 61 shops will put more than 600 jobs at risk. The company said it had been badly hit by the pandemic, which forced its stores to shut their doors during the crucial Christmas and Easter holidays. "The obstacles we have faced and will continue to face on the High Street are too severe," said Thorntons retail director Adam Goddard. "Despite our best efforts we have taken the difficult decision to permanently close our retail store estate." Thorntons has been on the High Street for more than a century but these days history isn't enough to guarantee survival. The company, which was founded in Sheffield in 1911, said it would continue to sell its chocolate online and try to sell more through supermarkets. Since the beginning of the crisis, sales through its website have increased by more than 70% compared to the previous year, it said. It will also try to expand the range of products made at its factory in Alfreton, Derbyshire and increase international sales. In 2015, Italian food giant Ferrero bought the chocolate chain for £112m. In a statement, the company said: "We remain committed to this iconic British brand and will continue to invest further in the future potential of Thorntons to ensure we evolve with the times."
