Major Restructuring for Morrisons as 145 Sites Face Closure
Supermarket chain Morrisons has announced sweeping changes to its operations, confirming plans to shut down 145 sites across the UK in a significant business overhaul. The decision comes as the retailer faces increasing pressure from discount competitors and shifting consumer shopping habits.
Which Morrisons Locations Are Closing?
The extensive closure programme affects multiple aspects of Morrisons' operations, including 17 Morrisons Daily convenience stores and 52 in-store cafes. Additionally, the company will close several Market Kitchen outlets, pharmacies and florists before the end of 2025.
Chief executive Rami Baitieh emphasised that the decisions were difficult but necessary. "In most locations, the Morrisons Cafe has a bright future, but a minority have specific local challenges and in those locations, regrettably, closure and reallocation of the space is the only sensible option," he explained.
The majority of Daily store closures have already been completed in April, with locations including Gorleston in Norfolk, Peebles in the Scottish Borders, and Shenfield in Essex among those affected. The cafe closures span nationwide, with sites in Banchory, Bathgate, Bellshill, Blackburn and many other towns scheduled to shut their doors.
Responding to Market Pressures
This restructuring reflects the growing challenges traditional supermarkets face from discount retailers like Aldi and Lidl, combined with changing consumer preferences toward smaller convenience formats and online shopping.
Baitieh acknowledged the impact on staff, stating: "Although these changes are relatively small in the context of the overall 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 has committed to offering redeployment opportunities where possible for affected staff members across other parts of the business. Morrisons maintains that its Market Street concept remains a key differentiator, with plans to introduce third-party specialists in some locations where counters or cafes are closing.
This major operational review signals Morrisons' determination to streamline its estate and reallocate space in underperforming locations as the supermarket sector continues to evolve amid intense competition and economic pressures.
