Morrisons Confirms Nationwide Closures Amid Restructuring
UK supermarket chain Morrisons has confirmed that it will close over 150 outlets and in-store services, including cafes, florists, market kitchens, convenience stores, and pharmacies, as part of a major cost-cutting and restructuring plan.
The move will impact 52 Morrisons cafes, 18 Market Kitchens, 17 Morrisons Daily stores, 13 florists, 35 meat and fish counters, and four pharmacies across the country.
Chief Executive Rami Baitieh described the closures as “a necessary part” of the company’s plan to renew and reinvigorate the Morrisons brand after a challenging year for the UK retail sector.
“In most locations, our cafes have a bright future,” said Baitieh, “but a small number face specific local challenges that make closure the only sensible option. We’ll take particular care to look after all affected colleagues.”
Why Morrisons Is Closing Stores
Morrisons, the UK’s fifth-largest supermarket, employs around 95,000 people nationwide. The closures come as the company seeks to refocus on core areas that “customers really value,” including fresh groceries, loyalty discounts, and online shopping.
While the chain remains committed to its popular Market Street model, Baitieh acknowledged that certain in-store services have become “uneconomic” in the current retail climate.
Some of the spaces left by closing cafes and counters may be replaced by specialist third-party operators, a move similar to what competitors like Tesco and Sainsbury’s have done to diversify store offerings.
Full List of Morrisons Cafes Closing
The closures affect cafes in major cities and towns across the UK, including:
- Bradford (Thornbury)
- Paisley (Falside Road)
- London (Queensbury, Wood Green, Erith, Stratford, Harrow)
- Portsmouth
- Leeds (Horsforth, Swinnow Road)
- Blackburn (Railway Road)
- Banchory (North Deeside Road)
- East Kilbride (Lindsayfield, Stewartfield)
- Troon (Academy Street)
- Northampton (Kettering Road)
- Bathgate, Watford, Caernarfon, and Warminster, among others.
Each closure will be assessed locally, with staff offered redeployment where possible.
Market Kitchens and Florists Among Other Closures
The Market Kitchen closures — which offer ready-to-eat meals like pizza, pasta, and rotisserie chicken — will affect 18 sites, including Aberdeen, Basingstoke, Camden Town, Cheltenham, Leeds Kirkstall, and Nottingham.
Meanwhile, florists will close in Aberdeen, Bradford, Evesham, Sheffield, Sunderland, St Albans, and several other towns.
Four Morrisons pharmacies will also shut their doors — in Birmingham (Small Heath), Blackburn (Railway Road), Bradford (Victoria), and London (Wood Green).
Morrisons Daily Convenience Stores Affected
In addition to large store closures, the company has already shut 17 Morrisons Daily convenience stores, which previously operated in partnership with fuel stations or local franchises.
Affected locations include Peebles, Poole, Tonbridge, Wokingham, Romsey, Exeter, Woking, and Haxby in North Yorkshire.
The chain said these closures took place earlier this year after a performance review of smaller-format stores.
What the Closures Mean for Customers
For shoppers, the closures may reduce some of the in-store dining and floral options they’ve come to expect from Morrisons, but the company insists its focus on affordability and convenience remains unchanged.
“We’re investing heavily in the parts of our business that matter most to customers,” Baitieh added. “That means better prices, fresher produce, and faster service both in-store and online.”
Industry analysts say the move reflects broader trends in UK retail, with supermarkets shifting away from in-store cafés and specialist counters due to rising energy costs, staff shortages, and changing consumer habits post-pandemic.
Employee Support and Transition Plans
Morrisons has pledged to support employees affected by the closures through redeployment opportunities and retraining programs. While the company did not confirm the exact number of job losses, it emphasized that every effort would be made to minimize redundancies.
Union representatives have called for further consultation to ensure workers are not unfairly impacted.
Looking Ahead
Despite the closures, Morrisons continues to invest in online delivery, local partnerships, and sustainability initiatives. The company remains confident that these changes will strengthen its long-term position in the competitive UK grocery market.
Customers can check their nearest store’s status and closure schedule on the Morrisons official website.
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