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The story from 1911
In October 1911, a commercial traveller
for the Don Confectionery company,
Joseph William Thornton, opened a sweet
shop in Sheffield with his 14-year-old son,
Norman. The shop did well and another
was opened in 1913 when they began
to make their own sweets.
In 1917 Joseph became ill and passed
away in 1919. Norman was joined by
his younger brother in 1921 when
J.W.Thornton Ltd was founded.
The company now consisted of four
sweet shops and a fruit shop.
In 1927, the company took on a small
factory in Sheffield and opened three
further shops outside Sheffield in 1928.
By 1935 there were 15 shops, about 40
shop assistants and as many other
employees. In 1937 a new factory was built
and its capacity was doubled in size to
accommodate the increase in business.
By 1939 there were 35 shops in 18 towns
in the Midlands and the North of England.
In the 1950s and 1960s the third
generation of Thorntons joined the firm
and the Thorntons family commitment was
secured. In 1988 the company was floated
on the stock market. Although the company
is now a Plc, members of the family are
still involved in the business.
In conclusion, when Joseph William Thornton
opened the first ever Thorntons shop
in Norfolk Street, Sheffield, his aim was
simply to create the finest sweet shop in
town. Over 90 years later,Thorntons Plc is
a £180 million turnover company with
nearly 400 shops and around 200 franchises
selling the finest confectionery in towns
and cities throughout the United Kingdom.
Stores |
Thornton’s trade from over 380 stores across the whole of the UK and Ireland , predominantly in the North and Midlands.
A Thornton's store can be found in all the major towns and cities whether in shopping Malls, High Streets, Railway Stations, Airports or Factory Outlet centres. Whether they are large 20 bay stores or smaller 8 bay stores each provides the customer with a delightful experience.
Our stores are merchandised with the customer in mind focusing on their needs and their reason for purchase.
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