Morrisons, the supermarket giant, has announced major changes to its operations, revealing plans to close 52 in-store cafes and 17 convenience stores, ultimately putting approximately 365 jobs at risk. This significant decision was made public on March 24, 2025, as the company cited rising operational costs that have made it unsustainable to continue running various services.
The closures will affect in-store cafes, market kitchens, florists, fresh food counters, and pharmacies across the UK. Specifically, Morrisons will shut down 18 market kitchens, 13 florists, 35 meat counters, 35 fish counters, and four pharmacies across its locations.
Rami Baitieh, Morrisons’ chief executive, emphasized the urgency of these changes. He stated, "Although these changes are relatively small in the context of the overall scale of the Morrisons business, we do not take lightly the disruption and uncertainty they will cause to some of our colleagues." He explained that these actions were part of a necessary plan to renew and reinvigorate the supermarket chain, allowing for investment in areas that better meet customer needs.
In many locations, Morrison's cafes reportedly have a "bright future," according to Baitieh. However, he acknowledged that a small number of cafes and services face specific local challenges that left closure as the only viable option. Additionally, Morrisons is committed to the Market Street model, which focuses on fresh meals for takeaway, but some aspects have become "simply uneconomic," according to the chief executive.
The specific locations of the cafes set for closure include Stirchley, Solihull Warwick Road, and several others primarily located in the West Midlands and Wales. The Morrisons Daily convenience shop at Great Barr Queslett Road in Birmingham is also included in the list of closures.
Across the country, consumers will face the closures of various Morrisons stores and services, with community impact expected to be significant. In Portsmouth, for instance, the café located at Victory Retail Park is set to close, while those in nearby Horndean and Gosport will remain operational.
Community reactions to these planned closures have been mixed. Many Morrisons shoppers have expressed disappointment, reflecting fondness for the chain and its offerings. Comments from customers on social media include expressions like, "Shame I love Morrisons. It’s my favourite place to shop. Plenty of variety, and the staff are great and helpful," indicating a strong connection to the brand.
However, the sentiment isn’t universal, as some customers have voiced skepticism about the direction the supermarket has taken since it was sold. Comments reflect concerns over quality and pricing, with one shopper noting that they prefer competitors like Aldi over Morrisons, which they perceive to have lost its appeal. Another comment echoed concerns about the management changes post-acquisition, suggesting the company is no longer family-run but instead influenced by conglomerate interests.
As part of the restructuring effort, Morrisons indicated that many of the affected employees would likely be redeployed to other roles within the company. Baitieh assured that the company is committed to taking care of staff through this transition, reiterating the importance of supporting employees during such changes.
Looking ahead, the future of Morrisons lies in adapting to shifting market dynamics and consumer preferences. Baitieh stated, "We will of course take particular care to look after all of them well through the coming changes," highlighting the company’s aim to maintain morale as they navigate this challenging period.
The closures reflect a broader trend within the retail industry, where many chains are reevaluating the sustainability of certain service models amid changing customer behaviors and economic pressures. The decision to close these cafes and stores could position Morrisons to focus more on areas that promise better returns and relevance in a competitive market.
As the supermarket prepares for the impending changes, community members and employees alike will be closely watching the impacts of the closures and the company's evolving strategy. Morrisons’ attempts to align itself more closely with consumer demand while managing operational costs will likely define its trajectory in the marketplace moving forward.
