CHOCOLATE maker Thorntons said yesterday annual results should hit market hopes as it reaped the rewards of a drive to sell its products through other retailers.
Although same-store sales fell at its own high street chain, sales through outlets such as supermarkets more than doubled to £22.3m.
This contributed to total sales increasing by five per cent to £187.7m during the year to June 25.
Thorntons chocolates are now stocked by stores such as Tesco, Sainsbury's, WH Smith and Woolworths, following a strategy change aimed at halting a five-year run of declining profits.
The group said in an update ahead of its annual results that total sales at its own stores fell two per cent to £134.1m following a net closure of nine sites.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article