A LEGENDARY 120-year-old bakery is set to return to high streets after closing all its stores.
Family-run Oddie’s, based in Nelson, Lancashire, closed all its 13 branches in January and let 100 workers go.
But the chain will now reopen seven locations after being rescued by Waterfields bakers, BBC reports.
Oddie’s locations in Nelson and Colne, as well as five shops in Burnley are set to pull up their shutters within weeks.
Waterfields said it was aiming for the seven sites to be open by early April.
Scott Davies, of Waterfields, founded in Leigh, Greater Manchester 100 years ago, said: “Our priority is keeping these local bakeries alive and thriving.
“We understand how important Oddies is to the community.”
Baked goods fans have shared their joy after finding out the chain is making a return to the high street.
Posting on Facebook, one said: “Fantastic news.”
Another added: “At least we will have some decent pork pies back in Nelson.”
A third commented: “Awww that’s great.”
Oddie’s was established in 1905 and is renowned for its traditional bread, savoury pastries and sweet treats.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Controversial Bakery Faces Backlash After Closure” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6360522424112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]But in recent years it had struggled due to soaring energy costs as well as a sharp fall in high-street footfall.
Last month, its owner Lara Oddie said despite the chain’s collapse, she was hopeful seven of its 13 shops would make a return.
She said: “If negotiations go well and certain recipes change hands, you might see your particular favourite make a reappearance.”
She also spoke of her struggles trying to keep the business afloat and looking for a new owner.
“I worked behind the scenes really hard all last year on a deal and literally three weeks before it was meant to happen, the guy pulled out, which left me with very few options and fewer resources.
“But, since the announcements have been made more public, other people have come out of the woodwork.
“So, I am still negotiating with interested parties behind the scenes and I’ve got everything crossed that maybe seven of my shops would reopen shortly.”
Chains returning to high street
Oddie’s is not the only chain to confirm a return in recent years.
M&Co opened a new store in May last year after collapsing into administration in 2022 and closing all its branches.
Classic record chain Our Price officially relaunched online last April after disappearing 20 years before.
Meanwhile, Cath Kidston opened its first new store in October after going bust, The Sun exclusively revealed.
Wilko made an iconic return to the high street last year too.
Toys R Us is also among those who’ve managed to make a comeback.
The popular toy brand opened up nine new shops in 2023 after vanishing from the high street in 2018.