Supermarket giant Morrisons has confirmed it will shut down more than 100 stores, cafes, and in-store services this year in a sweeping restructuring programme. The move forms a central part of the chain's 'programme of renewal', aimed at streamlining operations and accelerating growth.
The Full Scale of the Closures
The extensive closure list includes 50 cafes, 17 Morrisons Daily convenience stores, 13 florists, 4 pharmacies, and all 18 of its Market Kitchen in-store dining experiences. Additionally, the retailer is shutting 35 meat counters and 35 fish counters nationwide.
Morrisons had already signalled the closure of 50 cafes earlier this year, but the full extent of the cuts has now been revealed. The majority of the 17 Daily store closures were completed in April, with the final one in Haxby, North Yorkshire, shutting its doors on May 14.
Strategic Reasons Behind the Shutdowns
Chief Executive Rami Baitiéh described the closures as a 'necessary part of our plans to renew and reinvigorate Morrisons'. He stated the decision aims to 'accelerate growth', 'optimise operations' and 'help mitigate recent significant cost increases'.
While praising the famous quality and value of Morrisons Cafés, Mr Baitiéh acknowledged that a 'minority have specific local challenges' where closure was the only sensible option. He added that in some locations, the company would explore working with third parties to provide alternative services.
Financial Context and Community Impact
The restructuring comes after a period of significant financial turbulence for the supermarket. The company reported staggering losses of £919 million last year, following even heavier losses of £1.3 billion in 2023. However, a recent turnaround saw Morrisons record a pre-tax profit of £2.1 billion for the year ending October 27, 2024.
Mr Baitiéh cited the 'incremental impact of the Autumn budget and other Government legislation' as creating 'significant cost headwinds' for the business.
The closure of so many community-facing services is expected to be a blow to local high streets. Reena Sewraz of consumer group Which? told Metro: 'Morrisons’s decision to close 50 of its cafes will undoubtedly be a blow to local communities and limit choice for consumers.' She highlighted that supermarket cafes have been a vital budget-friendly option for families, especially with popular 'kids eat free' deals.
Complete List of Service Closures
Market Kitchens Closing: All 18 locations are slated for closure, including sites in Aberdeen, Basingstoke, Brentford, Camden Town, Canning Town, Cheltenham, Eccles, Edgbaston, Gravesend, Kirkby, Leeds, Lincoln, Little Clacton, Milton Keynes, Nottingham, Stoke, Tynemouth, and Verwood. Exact closure dates are yet to be confirmed.
Pharmacies Closing: The four pharmacies facing closure are located in Birmingham (Small Heath), Blackburn (Railway Road), Bradford (Victoria), and London (Wood Green).
Florists Closing: The 13 florist closures affect stores in Aberdeen, Bradford, Canning Town, Evesham, Newcastle Under Lyme, Rubery, Sheffield, Sheldon, St Albans, St Helens, Stirchley, Sunderland, and Swinton.
Daily Stores Closed: The 17 convenience stores that have already closed are in Gorleston, Peebles, Shenfield, Poole, Tonbridge, Romsey, Stewarton, Selsdon, Great Barr, Whichham, Worle, Goring-By-Sea, Woking, Wokingham, Exeter, Bath, and Haxby.
Cafes Closing: The 50 cafes set to close are located across the UK, including in Bradford, London, Portsmouth, Leeds, Glasgow, Newcastle, Northampton, and many other towns and cities.
