A popular bakery chain closed 12 of its branches with immediate effect. Butterwick’s shock announcement means it has two outlets left open in Northampton.
The chain said previously that it was “heartbroken” at the impact on staff while the manager of two branches in Market Harborough said employees were shocked at the news.
Chloe Morrison told the BBC: “It was very emotionally draining, and I was just so shocked and quite taken aback by it.”
Ms Morrison said she never thought there would be closures and that she had really believed in the Butterwick brand.
Butterwick was founded by Fiona and Ryan Scarborough in Corby, Northants. It had branches in Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Milton Keynes, Retford and Rugby.
The company has been approached for comment. It is reported to have said previously: “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.”
Butterwick’s shops at Rushden Lakes retail park and St Giles’ Street in Northampton remain open.
The BBC reported 12 out of 14 branches closed. Butterwick’s website lists a total of 13 shops. Those which have closed are:
Charter Court, Corby
Rockingham Road, Corby
Market Place, Kettering
Highcross Street, Leicester
Church Street, Market Harborough
Market Harborough Train Station, Rockingham Road
S Parade, Melton Mowbray
Midsummer Place, Milton Keynes
High Street, Oakham
Regent Street, Rugby
Weston Favell Shopping Centre, Northampton
