Thorntons: Jobs saved at Alfreton factory as online sales continue
Thorntons factory jobs in Alfreton won't be affected by store closures.
Yesterday (15th March) the Derbyshire retailer announced the closing of 61 of its stores with the loss of 603 jobs.
The Thorntons brand will remain on offer in supermarkets and other retailers, while its factory in Alfreton, Derbyshire, will make more chocolate for international markets.
The chocolate maker blames the move on the on-going impact of Covid-19 and the numerous lockdown restrictions over the last year.
In a statement, Adam Goddard, retail director at Thorntons, said:
Like many companies, we have been operating for a long time in a tough and challenging retail environment. We have been committed to transforming and growing a successful Thorntons retail estate; this has included significant investments to open new format stores and cafes and ensuring we had stores in the right locations.
However, 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 operating in the most challenging circumstances.
Unfortunately like many other retailers, the obstacles we have faced and will continue to face on the high street are too severe. Despite our best efforts we have taken the difficult decision to go into full consultation to start the permanent closure of our retail store estate. We understand that this will be an uncertain and concerning time for our colleagues and we will actively support them during this period.
As customers continue to change the way they shop, we must change with them. We have seen a strong growth in Thorntons.co.uk and this will remain a key focus for us in continuing to provide you with your favourite Thorntons ranges, including our unique personalisation offering. In addition, we continue to invest in building our brand in grocery channels with our partners in order to meet the demand from you, our loyal customers.
We remain committed to our iconic Thorntons brand and will continue to invest further in the future potential to ensure we evolve with the times.
Store closures in the Midlands:
Lincoln High St
Mansfield
Derby
Nottingham Vic
Birmingham High St
Coventry
Loughborough
Walsall
Leicester Highcross
Merryhill
Shrewsbury
Burton
Cheltenham
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