A BELOVED bakers shocked fans when they announced their sudden closure after 75 years – with no explanation.
The cosy bakery was a branch of the popular chain Bennetts Family Bakers in Westbourne, Bournemouth.
A handwritten note was taped to the window which read: “This shop will be closing on Sat 8th Feb.
“We would like to thank all customers that have used this shop over the years.
“Thank you, Mr D. Bennett and Mrs. M. R. Bennett.”
Locals were sad to see the store pull down its shutters with no explanation as to why.
It’s also unknown what will replace the bakery now that it has waved goodbye forever.
“It’s a real shame, I have been coming here for years. The two ladies were very nice,” commented one woman.
Another said: “I think it will be missed here.”
The family-run company began in 1951 after founder Claude Bennett moved from Devon to Poole.
They run several sites across the coast, including Winton, Parkstone, and Broadstone.
This comes as an iconic 120-year-old bakery chain confirmed it will close all stores for good.
The move is set to put 100 people out of work.
Beloved family-run chain Oddie’s, 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.
But a spokesperson for the company confirmed to the Sun that all 16 sites closed for the final time on Saturday, January 11.
Elsewhere, another company faced a similar fate amid a sting of closures.
Copland Family Bakers shut the doors to both its stall on Great Yarmouth’s market and shop in nearby Gorleston after 57 years.
The Great Yarmouth Mercury reported that a sign posted to the shop said: “We would like to thank all our customers for their continued support and loyalty over these difficult years.
“Unfortunately due to today’s continued price rises and economy etc, we have had to close our doors after 57 years of trading.”
Meanwhile, one bakery who also bit the bullet pointed the finger of blame at Chancellor Rachel Reeves for their business’ demise.
Lancaster’s Bakery in Harrogate, North Yorkshire welcomed in punters for over a century but have pulled the plug following a crippling increase in employer costs.
It follows Reeves’ first Budget in October, which was dubbed “the most damaging for independent retailers in recent memory” by the British Independent Retailers Association.
The Chancellor controversially announced tax rises amounting £40billion – including raising the rate of employer National Insurance contributions.
This, alongside increasing minimum wage, has hiked costs for retailers and led some to raise their prices to absorb the increase.