A DARLINGTON branch of Thorntons has been pictured cleared of stock and many of its fittings as the firm cements its plan to shut all of its UK stores.
The retailer last month announced that all remaining 61 stores nationally would not reopen after lockdown as 603 jobs had been placed at risk.
In its shock announcement, Thorntons blamed the impact of the Covid pandemic and lockdown restrictions on its decision to close its high street division down.
Read more: A sweet history - pictures over the years of Thorntons in the North-East
At the time, they also said a "shift" in behaviour had seen many of its customers choose shopping online over visiting its stores.
But in a sign that its plan is well underway, the Thorntons branch on Northgate in the town centre was seen mothballed as the unit lay empty this week.
The shop, part of the Queen Street Arcade, made the headlines in 1996 as Barbara Knox - who plays Rita Sullivan in Coronation Street - officially declared it open.
At the time, Knox was met with huge crowds as hundreds desperately attempted to catch a glimpse of the star, and see what sweet treats were on offer inside the store.
Confirming the closures last month, Adam Goddard, retail director at Thorntons, blamed "shifting customer behaviour" and Covid lockdown restrictions.
He 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.
“We understand that this will be an uncertain and concerning time for our colleagues and we will actively support them during this period of consultation.”
Despite the store closures, Ferrero said it will continue to invest in the business and hopes to grow its international supply business from its Alfreton factory.
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 hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel