What are key issues facing Thorntons plc?

[Flavels]

Any thoughts on what issues are facing Thorntons plc at the moment, especially in the light of disappointing results? Who do you think Thorntons customers are? What is there market? Do you like Thorntons chocolates?

[spudqueen]

I can't answer most of your questions, and I don't know what THEIR market is, but I certainly like Thorntons chocolates but I don't buy them regularly, it's usually as a treat. I also have no objection to receiving boxes of their chocolates for a birthday or Christmas present. I have noticed that they have now started selling Thorntons chocolates in some supermarkets and card shops which could increase their customer base.

[bednobs]

i think one of the key issues is that people want a healthier lifestyle, and that dosent include chocolate!
it's also lent, so if those disappointing results are recent thats why ... ive given up!

[Pippa68]

Sorry I don't have much to add to the business side of the question (unintelligent as I am ;o)

I would like to say that I have always thought Thorntons chocolates to be very overrated ~ I am a chocolate lover, but never been that keen on Thorntons!

[Ethel]

I stopped buying in Thorntons shops when they introduced those awful self-service carousels.

I do not want chocolate that people have handled, sneezed or coughed all over, thank you.

[Ghostrider]

So is this an essay question or an application form question? Gotta be one of the two

[camioneur]

Their coffee creams are sensational but charge sensational prices for them!