Troubled Thorntons loses further ground

Chocolatier Thorntons yesterday revealed that store sales were down by more than 10 per cent, as it predicted another year of tough conditions on the high street.

Like-for-like sales at its 364 company-owned stores fell by 10.6 per cent in the eight weeks to 25 June, a period that included Father's Day.

Although it accounts for less than 10 per cent of the group's annual sales, the performance highlights the pressure on the chain to implement its turnaround plan, which will see it close up to 180 stores over the next three years as it grows sales through the internet and other retailers.

Thorntons will take a 3.5 million hit from the closures, but excluding this it said it was on track to meet profit expectations.

It has been helped by sales at internet arm Thorntons Direct.