Thorntons has reported sales growth across its business of 6.4 per cent to £45.7 million for the 14 weeks to October 4.

Like for like sales were just ahead at 0.9 per cent against strong comparatives.

Sales for Thorntons' own stores rose 4.9 per cent to£26.6 million for the period with franchise sales up 2.4 per cent to£3.4 million.

Commercial sales were up 11 per cent to£14.5 million.

For its direct business (call centre and online), sales edged ahead just 0.7 per cent to£1.2 million.

Thorntons’ chief executive Mike Davies said: “We are pleased with the overall growth of 6.4 per cent in the first quarter particularly against the backdrop of our strongest ever quarter of growth last year and a difficult wider retail trading environment. Our financial position remains strong and we continue to grow in all channels and remain focused on delivering against our strategy of long term profitable growth through product innovation, improving the in-store environment and excellent customer service.”

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