Pastry giant Bakers Delight bakes last loaf as it sets date for business closures

DARWIN’S economic downturn has claimed another victim with pastry giant Bakers Delight forced to withdraw from the Territory

Emma Greensill from Bakers Delight. Bakers Delight will withdraw from business in Darwin in June. Picture: David Clark

DARWIN’S economic downturn has claimed another victim with pastry giant Bakers Delight forced to withdraw from the Territory.

Bakers Delight joint chief executive Elise Gillespie confirmed the company’s remaining franchises at Darwin City and Casuarina Square would close on June 5th and 12th respectively.

“Unfortunately, with the economic climate in Darwin, we haven’t been able to sustain businesses,” she said.

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“Across bakeries in Darwin the last few years foot traffic has dropped quite considerably. We often make it through the wet season by what we achieve through the dry.

“Particularly in the last couple of years we’re not getting the significant lift we used to get through the dry and that’s impacted our business quite significantly.”

In February Bakers Delight Mitchell Centre shut its doors.

Between 10 and 20 people are employed at each bakery. Ms Gillespie said they would be given support after the closures.

Ms Gillespie hoped to return Bakers Delight to the NT in the future.

“If the economy turns around and we can find local franchisees and good sites that work from a lease perspective, absolutely we’d consider returning to Darwin,” Ms Gillespie said.

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“Thank you all for your years of patronage and we’re sad to be leaving Darwin. We hope to be back, we’re not sure when but I hope it’s see you later and not farewell.”

Bakers Delight is one of many businesses which have fallen victim to Darwin’s dismal economy.

This year has seen Go Sushi, Tradelink, Betta Home Living and more close down due to the economic downturn.