THORNTONS in Huntingdon could close after the firm announced plans to shut 180 stores nationwide.

THORNTONS in Huntingdon could close after the firm announced plans to shut 180 stores nationwide.

The chocolate company announced today (Tuesday) that it was to close a minimum of 120 stores within the next three years following a strategic review of the business. A further 60 closures could follow.

It said the outlets to be closed were among the 364 stores directly owned and run by the company but added that it hoped to replace them with franchised stores “in the majority of locations”. Thorntons currently has 227 shops run by franchisees.

A sign saying the High Street shop is available to let is currently displayed on the building.

Elsewhere, the town’s branch of Carpetright could also be under threat. The company, which has a store on Stukeley Road, revealed it could close up to 50 shops when their leases run out if it cannot get the rents reduced.