Thorntons is one of those names people search for out of nostalgia as much as anything — it was a fixture on UK high streets for decades, known for its Special Toffee and boxed selections, before the shops themselves largely disappeared.
From a Sheffield shop to a national chocolatier
Thorntons was founded in 1911 by Joseph William Thornton, who opened his first sweet shop in Sheffield. The business grew through the 20th century into a national chain known for handmade-style boxed chocolates, Special Toffee, and personalised chocolate gifts sold in-store. It became a familiar high-street name, particularly around Christmas, Easter, and Mother's Day.
Ferrero ownership and the end of the shops
Thorntons was bought by the Italian confectionery group Ferrero in 2015. Ferrero continued to sell Thorntons products but, as widely reported in UK retail news, closed the remaining physical Thorntons stores in 2023, moving the brand to an online-only and supermarket-listing model rather than dedicated shops.
What we actually stock right now
We don't currently stock Thorntons directly. If you're after a similarly premium boxed chocolate for a gift, we do carry Lindt Swiss Luxury Selection Box 193g (well stocked), Lindt Master Chocolatier Collection Chocolate Box 184g and its large 320g version, plus Ferrero Collection Gift Box of Chocolates 15 Pieces 172g — all genuinely in stock now and in the same premium boxed-chocolate category Thorntons occupied.
FAQ
Is Thorntons still trading in the UK?
The brand still exists under Ferrero ownership, but its dedicated physical shops closed in 2023. Products are now mainly sold online and through supermarket listings rather than standalone stores.
Who owns Thorntons now?
Ferrero, the Italian confectionery group, which acquired Thorntons in 2015.
Do you stock Thorntons chocolate?
No, we don't currently stock Thorntons directly.
What's a similar alternative to a Thorntons chocolate box?
Our Lindt Swiss Luxury Selection Box, Lindt Master Chocolatier Collection, and Ferrero Collection Gift Box are all in stock now and sit in the same premium boxed-chocolate gifting category.