Melting profits for Thorntons

8 September 2011 – Despite Thorntons marking its 100th anniversary with record sales, the chocolate retailer still posted a loss of more than £1 million, due to a number of exceptional items including ongoing lease payments on closed stores.

In response to falling high street sales, in June, Thorntons announced plans to tackle pricey shop leases by closing up to 180 stores over the next three years, as it grows sales through the internet and other retailers, following a strategic review of its business.

The previous month, the company issued a profit warning after the hot weather over Easter led to a sharp drop in chocolate sales.

Thorntons is also working to revitalise the brand, including by creating a ‘theatre of the senses’ in its stores, and will look to rely less on seasonal events