Morrisons is set to begin the closure of 17 of its smaller Daily convenience stores across the UK starting April 16, 2025, as part of a significant restructuring effort aimed at revitalizing the business. The announcement, which follows a previous confirmation in March 2025, has raised concerns among local communities and employees about the impact of these closures.
All but one of the stores, located in Haxby, will close on April 16, with Haxby’s closure scheduled for May 14. The stores affected by this decision include locations in Gorleston, Peebles, Shenfield, Poole, Tonbridge, Romsey, Stewarton, Selsdon, Great Barr, Whickham, Worle, Goring-By-Sea, Woking, Wokingham, Exeter, and Bath. The full list of closures includes:
- Lowestoft Road, Gorleston - April 16
- 3-5 Old Town, Peebles - April 16
- 214 Hutton Road, Shenfield - April 16
- Waterloo Estate, Poole - April 16
- Higham Lane Estate, Tonbridge - April 16
- The Cornmarket, Romsey - April 16
- Lainshaw Street, Stewarton - April 16
- Featherbed Lane, Selsdon - April 16
- Queslett Road, Great Barr - April 16
- Oakfield Road, Whickham - April 16
- Queensway, Worle - April 16
- Strand Parade, Goring-By-Sea - April 16
- Westfield Road, Woking - April 16
- 40 Peach Street, Wokingham - April 16
- 51 Sidwell Street, Exeter - April 16
- Moorland Road, Bath - April 16
- 19 The Village, Haxby - May 14
Luke Charters, the Labour Party MP for York Outer, expressed his dismay over the closures, stating that it would be "sad news for those who rely on these services for their jobs and daily needs." With approximately 365 jobs at risk due to this restructuring, the impact on local communities could be significant.
Rami Baitiéh, Chief Executive of Morrisons, emphasized that these closures are a "necessary" part of the company’s strategy to renew and reinvigorate the brand. He stated, "The changes we are announcing today are a necessary part of our plans to renew and reinvigorate Morrisons and enable us to focus our investment into the areas that customers really value and that can play a full part in our growth." He further explained that while the Morrisons Cafés are known for their quality and affordability, some locations face specific local challenges that necessitate closure.
As part of the broader restructuring, Morrisons will also close 52 in-store cafés, 18 Market Kitchens, and 35 meat and fish counters. The decision to close these additional services is attributed to the rising costs associated with maintaining them, which have outweighed the revenue generated from customer spending. Furthermore, the supermarket is set to shut down 13 florists and four pharmacies, all of which contribute to the overall reduction in operational costs.
Baitiéh acknowledged the disruption these changes might cause, stating, "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. We will of course take particular care to look after all of them well through the coming changes." The company also cited the recent increase in employers' National Insurance and the forthcoming rise in minimum wage as contributing factors to the need for these cuts.
The closures come as Morrisons faces increasing challenges in a tough retail environment, with many supermarkets grappling with rising prices and changing consumer habits. The move has sparked discussions about the future of retail and the importance of adapting to market demands.
Local residents and employees have expressed their concerns, fearing the loss of essential services that many depend on daily. The closures of the cafés, which offered affordable meal options for families, have been particularly disheartening, especially given the supermarket's initiatives like £5 pensioner meal deals and free fruit and breakfast cereals for children during school holidays.
In a statement, Morrisons acknowledged the inconvenience these closures would cause, particularly for communities that rely on their local stores. The supermarket has committed to ensuring that affected employees are treated with care and consideration during this transition.
The decision to close these stores has not only raised eyebrows among local politicians and residents but also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by retailers in adapting to a rapidly changing economic landscape. As Morrisons moves forward with its plans, the focus will be on revitalizing the stores that remain open and ensuring they meet the needs of their customers.
In summary, the impending closures of Morrisons Daily convenience stores represent a significant shift for the supermarket giant, reflecting broader trends in the retail sector. As the company navigates these challenging waters, it aims to emerge stronger and more focused on the areas that matter most to its customers.
