Thorntons is to close all 63 of its stores, including its Bluewater outlet.

It is the latest casualty of the High Street carnage caused by the boom in online shopping and the devastation caused by the pandemic.

It said it had seen strong growth in its online sales but that its shops were no longer viable.

Its Maidstone shop had already shut. The move puts more than 600 jobs at risk.

The news comes just days after a warning about how out-of-town retail centres may suffer if more big names disappear.

In a message to customers, 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."

Last week Jo James, chief executive of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, warned: " "We're very much a 'I want it and I want it now' consumer. Everything is instant and that's reflected in our online shopping habits. Gone are the days we go online and expect to get it within a week. I'm ordering in the morning and if I can't have it by tomorrow I won't shop there - that's the approach we're taking."

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