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.