Popular bakery closed 12 out of 14 branches: what happened to the chain.

Closure of Butterwick bakery branches

According to The Sun: The Butterwick bakery chain has been left with only two branches after the sudden closure of most of its stores. 12 out of 14 establishments were closed, including the first bakery in Corby, Northamptonshire.

The bakery, founded by Fiona and Ryan Scarborough, announced the closure on their social media pages, expressing sorrow over the impact on their employees. They explained this as a consequence of rising business costs and changing consumer habits.

The first new branches were opened in Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Milton Keynes, Rugby in Warwickshire, and Retford in Nottinghamshire. Now only two stores will remain: in Rushden Lakes and on St Giles Street in Northampton.

“With deep regret, we announce the closure of all Butterwick stores as of this letter, except for our location in Rushden Lakes and Northampton St Giles,” said the Scarboroughs.

They also added: “This decision was not made lightly. Despite our efforts to sustain the business and jobs, the increase in operational costs and significant changes in consumer spending have not allowed us to maintain the business in its current form.”

However, the couple hopes to focus on their two stores, stating: “This is not the end of Butterwick – it’s the beginning of an exciting new chapter. By focusing on Rushden and Northampton, we will return to our roots: a true bakery experience where craftsmanship, freshness, and creativity take priority.”

“We will bring back some of our favorite original products, create many new ones, and significantly update our menu – from handcrafted drinks to fresh sandwiches,” they noted.

All orders for holiday or wedding cakes that were placed will still be fulfilled. Active loyalty points and gift cards remain valid in the remaining stores.

The closure of Butterwick branches came six years after the business opened in September 2019. Since its inception, the bakery has grown from baking holiday cakes at home to a chain that spanned several towns around Corby, increasing its team size to 80 employees and starting to operate delivery vans.

“Our goal is to showcase the best of Butterwick: delicious, high-quality treats and cafes that our communities can be proud of,” added the Scarboroughs.

They thanked all customers for their support over the years, emphasizing that “your kindness, support, and love for our business meant the world to us.”

News of Butterwick’s closure came against the backdrop of another chain closing all its 56 stores this week.

The Bodycare chain, which started from a market in Lancashire in the 1970s, also went bankrupt due to rising costs.

The closure of Butterwick stores reflects the current challenges in the business environment that many small enterprises face. Rising costs and changing consumer habits force entrepreneurs to seek new approaches and focus on areas that can successfully adapt in today’s economy. This could serve as an important lesson for other business people looking to survive in similar circumstances.