RETAILER Thorntons said sales in its stores were down by 10% on a year ago as cash-strapped consumers continued to cut back on chocolate treats.

The firm’s preparations for the important Christmas season have also been hit by the loss of a large corporate order at its internet division.

Overall, Thorntons said total sales were down by 7.6% to £46.5m in the 14 weeks to October 1 – in line with earlier forecasts.

Chief executive Jonathan Hart said: “As expected, the retail environment continues to be challenging with weakness in high street footfall.”

Thorntons, which has a store at Huddersfield’s Piazza, has responded to the squeeze by improving own-store merchandising and layout as well as rolling out new ranges.