Popular bakery chain to close 12 of 14 branches after costs soar and ‘customers change spending habits’

A popular bakery chain has been forced to close all but two of its branches after struggling to stay open.

Butterwick, a family-run bakery based in the Midlands, announced this week that it would be closing 12 of its 14 stores following a ‘continued rise in operating costs and significant changes in customer spending habits’. 

Only their shops in Rushden Lakes retail park and St Giles’ Street in Northampton will remain open, while its remaining locations, which include two in Corby where the bakery was founded, will close its doors ‘with immediate effect’.

In a post on Facebook, Butterwick founders Fiona and Ryan Scarborough said they were ‘heartbroken for the impact on our incredible team members’ and thanked its ‘loyal customers’ for their support. 

However, the couple assured customers that it was ‘not the end of Butterwick – it’s the beginning of an exciting new chapter’.

‘By focusing on Rushden and Northampton, we will be returning to our roots: an authentic in-store bakery experience where craft, freshness, and creativity come first,’ their statement added. 

The company will be reintroducing some of its ‘most loved original products’, while also creating new sweet treats and expanding their menus with handcrafted drinks and freshly made sandwiches. 

Fiona and Ryan added that any celebration or wedding cake orders would still be honoured, while any loyalty points and gift cards will remain valid and fully redeemable in its remaining two stores. 

Butterwick, a family-run bakery based in the Midlands, announced this week that it would be closing 12 of its 14 stores. Pictured: One of the bakeries in Oakham, which has now closed

Only two of Butterwick’s stores will remain open, including this store in Northampton

The couple said in their statement on Facebook: ‘It is with deep regret that we announce the closure of all Butterwick stores with immediate effect, apart from our Rushden Lakes and Northampton St Giles locations.

‘This decision has not been made lightly. Despite tireless efforts to secure all stores and protect every role, the continued rise in operating costs and significant changes in customer spending habits have left us unable to sustain the business in its current form.

‘We are heartbroken for the impact this has on our incredible team members, who have worked with such passion and dedication to deliver the warm, welcoming Butterwick experience that so many of you have come to love. 

‘We are immensely proud of every one of them and deeply grateful for their commitment.’

They continued: ‘We would like to sincerely thank all of our loyal customers for your support over the years. Your kindness, encouragement, and love for what we do have meant the world to us. 

‘We can’t wait to welcome you into our Rushden and Northampton stores to share everything we’ll be working on.

‘With heartfelt thanks, Ryan & Fiona’