Iconic 120-year-old bakery chain confirms it will close ALL stores for good putting 100 people out of work
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AN ICONIC 120-year-old bakery chain has confirmed it will close all its stores for good - putting 100 people out of work. The beloved, family-run chain, founded in 1905, was famed for its freshly-baked loaves and crisp pastry pies. It has branches across Lancashire - spanning the areas of Burnley, Colne, Foulridge, Nelson, Padiham and Todmorden.
![[Croissants and other pastries cooling on racks in a bakery.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/fresh-croissant-cooling-rack-pastry-830854470.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
A spokesperson for the company has now confirmed to the Sun that all 16 sites will be closing for the final time on Saturday, 11 January. This will include 100 job losses - in a huge blow to the local community. In a further statement, a spokesperson said: "We are truly saddened to confirm the closure of Oddie's Bakery and Oddie's Shops across East Lancashire on Saturday, January 11, after 120 years in business.".
![[Oddie's Family Bakery storefront with Halloween decorations.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/f425yt-oddies-family-bakery-bakery-950225940.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
They explained that the business took a major hit after the pandemic - and that initial efforts to claw back revenue had proved insufficient. They said: "Over recent years and compounded by the Covid-19 pandemic the business has faced significant hardships.
"Economic slowdown has had a profound impact on the business’ ability to operate at levels we were accustomed to. "The company reacted through 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. "Like all businesses, cost pressures have continued to escalate, not least through the energy crisis which has depleted much of the company's reserves. "This has put a heavy strain on the company’s finances and ultimately the cost to reinvest and recover.".
