Morrisons to Shut 103 Stores and Cafés in Huge UK Purge
Morrisons is slashing 103 locations across the UK this year, shutting down stores, cafés, florists, pharmacies, and more in a sweeping overhaul. The supermarket giant’s biggest cuts will hit cafés and convenience stores hardest, sparking fears for local communities.
Cafés and Convenience Stores Take the Biggest Hit
Initially, Morrisons planned to close 50 of its cafés nationwide. Now, the closures extend further:
- 17 daily convenience stores
- 13 florists
- 4 pharmacies
- All 18 Market Kitchens – their fresh in-store dining spots
- 35 meat counters and 35 fish counters
This “programme of renewal” aims to counter soaring costs and tough financial pressures weighing down UK high streets.
CEO: “Focusing on What Customers Truly Value”
Morrisons chief Rami Baitiéh insists the shake-up is vital to “renew and reinvigorate Morrisons” by focusing investment on core growth areas.
“Morrisons Cafés are rightly famous for great value and quality food,”
Baitiéh said. “Most will have a bright future, but a handful face local challenges forcing closures and space reallocation.”
He also signalled future specialist offers might arrive through third-party partnerships at some sites.
Financial Struggles Behind the Cutbacks
The retailer posted a staggering £919million loss last year, following an even bigger £1.3billion deficit in 2023. Yet it still managed a £2.1billion pre-tax profit for the year ending October 2024.
“Consumers are feeling the squeeze,” Baitiéh added. “We’re working to help customers on tight budgets while coping with rising costs triggered by unexpected government measures.”
Local Communities Brace for Blow
Consumer watchdog Which? warned the café closures will hit communities hard, slashing affordable dining options when cost-of-living pressures are already biting.
“Supermarket cafés offer great value, especially with popular ‘kids eat free’ deals,”
said Reena Sewraz. “Closing 50 cafés limits choices for consumers.”
Where’s Getting Clobbered? Full List of Morrisons Closures
Market Kitchens Closing In: Aberdeen, Basingstoke, Brentford, Camden Town, Canning Town, Cheltenham, Eccles, Edgbaston, Gravesend, Kirkby, Leeds, Lincoln, Little Clacton, Milton Keynes, Nottingham, Stoke, Tynemouth, Verwood
Pharmacies Shutting: Birmingham (Small Heath), Blackburn, Bradford, London (Wood Green)
Florists Ending: Aberdeen, Bradford, Canning Town, Evesham, Newcastle Under Lyme, Rubery, Sheffield, Sheldon, St Albans, St Helens, Stirchley, Sunderland, Swinton
Daily Morrisons Stores Closing (Mostly April 2025): Gorleston, Peebles, Shenfield, Poole, Tonbridge, Romsey, Stewarton, Selsdon, Great Barr, Whichham, Worle, Goring-By-Sea, Woking, Wokingham, Exeter, Bath, Haxby
Cafés Facing Closure Include: Bradford, Paisley, London (Queensbury, Wood Green, Harrow Hatch End, Stratford, Erith), Portsmouth, Blackburn, Leeds, Kirkham, Lutterworth, Stirchley, Dumbarton, Glasgow, Newcastle, Northampton, Solihull, Bathgate, Gorleston, and more.
The exact dates for Market Kitchen closures are still under wraps.
