Spindles' Thorntons store will not re-open after lockdown ends

The closure of Thorntons shops will put more than 600 jobs at risk.

Chocolate shop chain Thorntons is to shut all of its 61 stores - including it's store in Oldham.

The retailer said it has been hit hard by the pandemic, which has kept many of its stores shut for key periods around Christmas and Easter.

Adam Goddard, retail director at Thorntons, said "changing dynamics of the high street, shifting customer behaviour to online, the ongoing impact of Covid-19" have meant the chain has been "trading in the most challenging circumstances."

603 jobs are at risk, including staff at the Oldham store in Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre.

The company will continue to trade online.

In a statement on the Thorntons website, Mr Goddard said the change in shopping habits has led to a reassessment of their business strategy.

"As customers continue to change the way they shop, we must change with them. We have seen a strong growth in Thorntons.co.uk and this will remain a key focus for us in continuing to provide you with your favourite Thorntons ranges, including our unique personalisation offering. In addition, we continue to invest in building our brand with our existing franchise partners on the high street and our grocery partners in supermarkets in order to meet the demand from our loyal customers.

"We remain committed to our iconic Thorntons brand and will continue to invest further in the future potential to ensure we evolve with the times."

The closures follows Debenhams' announcement that they would close all of their stores, including the retail space in Spindles Town Square.

Last year the council purchased the shopping centre for £9.5 million.  The authority has recently completed a consultation on their future plans for Spindles, including moving Tommyfield Market inside.

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