No buyer for failed Huddersfield cookshop

After only a year under new ownership, a Huddersfield cookshop that went into liquidation two months ago has been unsuccessful in its attempt to find a new buyer.

The Cook & Bakeware Company was forced to close its doors for the last time after losing its battle against a combination of stiff competition, shrinking margins and declining footfall.

Now, liquidator Brook Business Recovery has had to sell off the shop’s stock and assets.

The Cook & Bakeware Company, which occupied three-storey premises on Byrom Arcade on Westgate, Huddersfield, and which was previously known as Strawberry Fair, was until last year owned by tabletop supplier Fairmont & Main. However, in August it sold the business to first-time retailer Sharon Jewitt.

At the time, Fairmont & Main managing director Philip Harrison told HousewaresLive.net that 18 months previously he had removed tabletop lines from the shop’s offer to concentrate on cookshop lines and that it had been a good decision. However, he now wanted to focus on his business as a supplier.

Under its new owner The Cook & Bakeware Company had attempted to boost trade by investing in its restaurant, The Dining Rooms, and creating an ecommerce website.

The failure of the business has meant the loss of some 20 jobs.