The chocolate company Thorntons has announced plans to close all its UK stores.
All 61 stores, including one within Swindon’s Designer Outlet, will shut with more than 600 jobs impacted, as the retailer says it has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.
Adam Goddard, retail director at Thorntons, said: “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 trading in the most challenging circumstances.
“Unfortunately, like many others, the obstacles we have faced and will continue to face on the high street are too severe and despite our best efforts we have taken the difficult decision to permanently close our retail store estate.
“We will now go into full consultation with our colleagues.”
