Family-run Lancashire bakery closes all stores after 120 years in business

Nelson-based bakery Oddie’s closed the doors on its 13 shops at the weekend (11 January 2025), but the company is still hopeful of finding a buyer for some parts of the business.
The main bakehouse in Nelson served 13 shops across East Lancashire with baked bread and pies.
But the company website now hosts a sad message to customers:
“After 120 year we are closing our doors
The last trading day will be Saturday 11th January
❤️ We have loved being part of your lives x”
A further statement from the family said: “Whilst the bakeries are now closed, we’re working incredibly hard behind the scenes to negotiate with interested parties, and hope to come to a resolution in the coming weeks.”
The full statement at the weekend read: “We are truly saddened to confirm the closure of Oddie’s Bakery and Oddie’s Shops across East Lancashire on Saturday 11th January 2025 after 120 years in business. 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; 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.
“Last year in an attempt to preserve as many jobs as possible the company explored selling the business as a going concern where it was hoped new owners would have the resources to turn things around, unfortunately this sale fell through after extensive negotiations. 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.
“We do thank all the loyal Oddie’s customers over the last 120 years and place on record our thanks to staff who have worked for the business, especially for their efforts and continued commitment since the initial consultation announcement. The business is supporting staff in finding suitable alternative employment and continues in discussions with parties who have interest in the business.”
In November TheBusinessDesk.com reported how efforts were being made by advisers from accountants Azets and Brabners Solicitors to save 100 jobs across the business.
Lara Oddie, director at Oddie’s, blamed the energy crisis quadrupling costs and declining footfall on the high streets as the factors behind a decision to sell, but that an eleventh-hour withdrawal by a potential buyer led to the closure.
The shops were spread across Burnley, Nelson and Colne, with one in Todmorden.