Morrisons has announced plans to close around 100 of its convenience stores across the UK, delivering another blow to the British high street. The supermarket chain's company-owned Morrisons Daily shops are expected to shut over the coming months, putting hundreds of jobs at risk.
Loss-Making Stores Targeted
According to trade publication The Grocer, the Morrisons Daily outlets earmarked for closure are described as 'the most challenged' and are currently loss-making. All of these stores were originally McColl's outlets, which Morrisons acquired in 2022.
A spokesperson for Morrisons confirmed the closures to Metro, emphasizing that the expansion of the company's convenience business remains 'a core part' of its growth strategy. They stated: 'The performance of all company-owned stores across our Convenience business is subject to continuous review. This process has identified a number of stores, which were part of the McColl's acquisition, whose performance has been challenged for a number of years and which are loss making, despite remedial action.'
Impact of Government Policies
The spokesperson added: 'This situation has been exacerbated in more recent years by significant cost increases resulting from Government policy choices. Having completed the review, we are now proposing to take the tough but necessary decision to close a number of these stores over the next few months.'
Morrisons is currently consulting with affected staff, according to reports. The chain employs approximately 95,000 people and operates around 1,700 convenience shops and 500 supermarkets. In the past year, it has also shut cafes, florists, and fresh food counters.
Focus on Profitable Stores
The company noted that the combination of closing loss-making stores and continuing to add attractive new franchise openings will allow it to concentrate on outlets that work best for customers.
Broader High Street Closures
Morrisons' announcement comes amid a wave of high street closures across the UK. Dozens of shops, restaurants, and banks have been affected this month alone. Quiz Clothing entered administration, while Poundstretcher warned it could be forced to file for administration. Modella Capital suggested up to 150 former WHSmith shops could close under restructuring plans.
Restaurant chain Franco Manca confirmed it would close 16 of its UK locations, while its sister restaurant The Reel Greek announced nine closures. Around 200 Brewers Fayre and Beefeater restaurants, operated by Premier Inn owner Whitbread, were also announced to close.
Bank Branch Closures
Santander confirmed 27 branch closures for this month, with more to follow by year-end. NatWest planned to shut 15 branches this month, and Lloyds Banking Group revealed it would close several branches across the UK, including two major London locations. Chains like GAME, The Original Factory Shop, Claire's Accessories, and Poundland have also closed stores this year.
