CHOCOLATE shop Thorntons has announced plans to permanently shut its 61 stores with more than 600 jobs affected.

The high street brand says changing dynamics of the high street, shifting customer behaviour to online and the ongoing impact of Covid-19 are obstacles 'too severe' to continue.

After a consultation period, Thorntons is expected to continue as an online brand where its personalisation options will still be available.

The company was founded in Sheffield in 1911 and was bought by Italian food giant Ferrero in 2015 for £112 million.

Thorntons said it pumped £45million into transforming its operations, including new-format stores and cafes, but saw its turnaround plan thrown off course by the pandemic.

Ferrero has pledged to continue to invest in the business and hopes to grow its international supply business from its Alfreton factory.

The collapse of the store business is the latest high-profile failure on the UK high street, which has been battered by large periods of closures and depressed footfall.

Adam Goddard, retail director at Thorntons, said: "Like many companies, we have been operating for a long time in a tough and challenging retail environment. We have been committed to transforming and growing a successful Thorntons retail estate. This has included significant investments to open new format stores and cafes and ensuring we had stores in the right locations.

"However, 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 operating in the most challenging circumstances.

"Unfortunately like many other retailers, the obstacles we have faced and will continue to face on the high street are too severe. Despite our best efforts we have taken the difficult decision to go into full consultation to start the permanent closure of our retail store estate. We understand that this will be an uncertain and concerning time for our colleagues and we will actively support them during this period.

"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 in grocery channels with our partners in order to meet the demand from you, 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. We would like to thank you for your continued support."