Thorntons has announced plans to permanently close all of its stores in the UK, a move which leaves 600 jobs at risk.

The retailer said the decision was based not entirely on the impact of Covid-19 lockdowns but the wider impact of the pandemic on the retail sector. It also confirmed that it has entered consultation with its employees and hoped to be able to redeploy some workers to other areas of the business.

While the brand’s 63 store estate will be closing permanently, Adam Goddard, the company’s retail director, said the company would be looking to build on its online platform, adding that it was clear Thorntons had to “evolve.”

“Unfortunately like many others, the obstacles we have faced and will continue to face on the high street are too severe.”

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.”

In a statement, Thorntons also said it is committed to its factory in Alfreton and added that it will continue to invest in its grocery supply business.