Trading Update

RNS Number:3795W
Thorntons PLC
03 January 2006


For Immediate Release                                             3 January 2006


                                  Thorntons PLC
                                        
                            Christmas Trading Update


Thorntons PLC ("Thorntons") the manufacturer, retailer and distributor of high
quality confectionery and other sweet foods, reports today on trading progress
for the 26 weeks up to and including Saturday 24th December.

On 12th October, in the AGM trading update, we reported that for the first 15
weeks of the current financial year to 8th October 2005, sales were 4.8% below
the previous year and own shop like-for-like sales were down 4.4%.

The challenging retail climate has continued from that date and through the key
Christmas period which historically accounted for about 60% of Thorntons first
six months sales. As a result, sales for the 26 weeks up to and including
Saturday, 24th December at #109.5m were 6.5% below the previous year, and
specifically own shop like-for-like sales were down 4.9%.

A detailed interim trading statement covering all sectors of the business for
the 28 weeks to Saturday, 7th January 2006 will be issued on Tuesday, 17th
January 2006.

Discussions with regard to a possible offer for Thorntons are continuing,
although there can be no certainty that any offer will be forthcoming.



For further information, please contact:

Thorntons PLC                                      01773 542339
Christopher Burnett, Executive Chairman
Peter Burdon, Chief Executive
John Wall, Finance Director

Buchanan Communications                            020 7466 5000
Charles Ryland
Nicola Cronk




                      This information is provided by RNS
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