Lancashire-based bakery chain Oddie’s has closed all of its shops with the loss of more than 100 jobs after failing to find a buyer in time.
The fourth-generation family-run business (W.H. Oddies Ltd) was founded in 1905 by William Henry Oddie and grew to operate 13 locations across the area, including a central bakery in Nelson from which it produced a wide variety of bread, savoury pastries, and sweet treats.
However, the business faced “significant hardships” with the economic slowdown having a “profound” impact on its ability to operate at the levels at which it was accustomed to. Oddie’s reacted through a “a combination of centre shop closures, product range rationalisation and reducing staffing levels to the bare minimum”.
“The business was beginning to see the shoots of recovery; however, like all business, cost pressures have continued to escalate, not least though the energy crisis which has depleted much of the companies reserves. This has put a heavy strain on the company’s finances and ultimately the cost to reinvest and recover,” the business said in a statement.
As such, the Oddie family called in accountancy and advisory firm Azets alongside Brabners Solicitors to sell the business as a going concern “where it was hoped new owners would have the resources to turn things around”. Unfortunately, the sale fell through after “extensive negotiations” leaving it with no choice but to consider closure.
“We have continued to explore throughout the consultation process which started in November if there were other alternatives to closing the business as a whole, this sadly has not yet reached a positive conclusion,” the business said in a statement.
As such, after 120 years of trading, the business shut its doors on Saturday 11 January 2025.
It thanked its loyal customers for their patronage over the last 120 years and placed “on record our thanks to staff who have worked for the business, especially for their efforts and continued commitment since the initial consultation announcement”.
Oddie’s added that it was “supporting staff in finding suitable alternative employment and continues in discussions with parties who have interest in the business,” suggesting this may not be the final chapter in the business’ history.
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