It’s choc horror for fans of Thorntons

The news comes following a strategic review of the popular brand and will put thousands of jobs at risk.

As yet, it is unknown which of Thorntons’ 364 own stores – rather than franchises – will close.

But it is expected that almost half will be affected by the changes over a three-year period.

Thorntons currently has stores in The Mall Luton and the Quadrant shopping centre in Dunstable.

Staff at the Dunstable shop refused to comment when they were contacted by the Herald&Post yesterday.

A spokeswoman from the company’s head office said the matter was “obviously very sensitive”.

She added that the workers would be notified internally as soon as possible before any news in made public.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Jonathan Hart, Thorntons’ chief executive, said: “Thorntons is a strong, trusted and highly valuable brand with excellent potential.

“Our goal is to refocus the business across all channels and seek to deliver industry competitive returns over the next three to five years.

“Although we see the prospect of weakness in High Street footfall and consumer sentiment continuing, I am confident that this strategy is right.”

Mr Hart added: “We continue to adapt in order to meet the changing needs of our customers, while at the same time retaining our current presence on the High Street through our own stores and our franchise business.”