Thorntons To Close Upto 180 Stores

Derbyshire based company say they need to focus on other parts of its business but hope the shops will be taken over.

Between 750 and 1,125 jobs could be put at risk - but the company's new chief executive said they would try to find staff alternative roles where its possible.

A review by Thorntons chief executive Johnathan Hart wants the business to become less dependent on seasonal events like Christmas and Easter.

He told Capital there has been recent changes in shopper's behaviour - visiting the high street less, because they're going to supermarkets or shopping online.

Thorntons are planning to increase the number of gifts they sell - for things like birthdays and anniversaries.

There will also be in-store tastings in the coming months.