Have you recently heard that your local Morrisons might be closing down? You’re not alone in wondering what’s going on. In 2025, Morrisons is undergoing a significant transformation, which includes the closure of several of its stores across the UK.
From convenience shops to cafés and counters, the supermarket giant is streamlining operations as part of a broader plan to revitalise its business. These sudden closures have sparked conversations about the future of retail and Morrisons’ place in it.
This blog will guide you through the reasons behind the closures, the locations affected, important closure dates, and what this means for you as a shopper or community member.
Why Is Morrisons Shutting Down Multiple Supermarkets in 2025?
Morrisons has announced the closure of 17 Morrisons Daily stores, a decision that stems from strategic restructuring aimed at making the supermarket chain more competitive in the current retail climate.
The closures are part of a wider transformation plan under Chief Executive Rami Baitiéh, who explained that the decision, although difficult, is essential for “renewing and reinvigorating Morrisons.”
Reasons Behind the Closures
- Cost-cutting targets: Morrisons aims to reach a £1 billion savings goal, boosting from the previously set £700 million.
- Rising operational costs: Including National Insurance and minimum wage adjustments.
- Shifts in consumer behaviour: More shoppers are moving to online platforms and discount supermarkets.
- Overperformance of competing supermarkets: Chains like Aldi and Lidl have significantly eaten into Morrisons’ market share, which currently sits at just 8.5%.
Baitiéh stated: “The changes we are announcing today are a necessary part of our plans to renew and reinvigorate Morrisons.”
In addition to store closures, the retailer is also shutting down:
- 52 cafés
- 35 meat and 35 fish counters
- 4 pharmacies
- All 18 Market Kitchen food courts
This shake-up represents a decisive attempt to streamline the business while focusing investment in areas customers value the most.
Morrisons will close a total of 103 outlets this year, including cafés, florists and pharmacies, as part of the wider overhaul. The company said many of these services have “costs of operations significantly out of line with usage, volumes or the value that customers place on them”.
Which Morrisons Stores Are Closing Across the UK?
A total of 17 Morrisons Daily convenience stores across England and Scotland are set to close, mostly on 16 April 2025, with one store closing on 14 May 2025.
These branches are generally smaller and located in residential or town-centre areas, offering extended opening hours.
List of Affected Locations
| Store Location | Closed Date |
| Lowestoft Road, Gorleston | 16 April 2025 |
| 3-5 Old Town, Peebles | 16 April 2025 |
| 214 Hutton Road, Shenfield | 16 April 2025 |
| Waterloo Estate, Poole | 16 April 2025 |
| Higham Lane Estate, Tonbridge | 16 April 2025 |
| The Cornmarket, Romsey | 16 April 2025 |
| Lainshaw Street, Stewarton | 16 April 2025 |
| Featherbed Lane, Selsdon | 16 April 2025 |
| Queslett Road, Great Barr | 16 April 2025 |
| Oakfield Road, Whickham | 16 April 2025 |
| Queensway, Worle | 16 April 2025 |
| Strand Parade, Goring-By-Sea | 16 April 2025 |
| Westfield Road, Woking | 16 April 2025 |
| 40 Peach Street, Wokingham | 16 April 2025 |
| 51 Sidwell Street, Exeter | 16 April 2025 |
| Moorland Road, Bath | 16 April 2025 |
| 19 The Village, Haxby | 14 May 2025 |
These closures are expected to have a noticeable effect in the local communities where the stores serve as vital retail and social hubs.
Other Affected Services & Locations
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Cafés: 51 cafés will close (including sites in Bradford, Paisley, London, Portsmouth, and more) though not all closure dates have been announced.
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Market Kitchens: All 18 of Morrisons’ in-store “Market Kitchen” fresh-food counters will close in 2025. Locations include Aberdeen (King Street), Cheltenham (Up Hatherley), Kirkby (Merseyside) etc.
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Florists: 13 in-store florist departments will close. Sites include Aberdeen (King Street), Bradford (Enterprise 5), Canning Town (London) etc.
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Pharmacies: Four pharmacies will be closed: in Birmingham (Small Heath), Blackburn (Railway Road), Bradford (Victoria), London (Wood Green).
Bold new info: More than 100 outlets in total (103) are being shuttered this year, covering stores, cafés, florists, pharmacies and more.
When Will the Morrisons Store Closures Take Place?
Morrisons has confirmed specific closure dates for each of the 17 stores. The majority of the closures will happen on 16 April 2025, with Haxby closing slightly later on 14 May 2025.
Here’s a quick reference of the closure timeline:
| Date | Stores Closing |
| 16 April 2025 | 16 stores including Poole, Bath, Romsey, Exeter |
| 14 May 2025 | 1 store – 19 The Village, Haxby |
Customers and employees received only short notice, which has raised concerns among residents and local authorities. Social media has seen an outpouring of disappointment, particularly in Worle and Haxby, where communities rely heavily on these stores for everyday essentials.
For the broader service-closures (cafés, florists, pharmacies, Market Kitchens), exact dates are yet to be announced for many sites, though the programme is expected to roll out “over the next few months” after the March 2025 announcement.
Are Any Morrisons Cafés or Petrol Stations Also Affected?
Yes, alongside store closures, Morrisons is closing 52 of its in-store cafés and numerous Post Office branches located within the Morrisons Daily stores.
While petrol stations have not been specifically listed among the closures, other in-store services are being withdrawn as part of this broader rationalisation.
Affected Services
- Post Offices in 11 of the 17 Morrisons Daily stores, closing between 9 April and 14 May
- The removal of meat and fish counters
- Closure of Market Kitchens, which are food court-style areas in larger Morrisons stores
Although petrol stations have not been explicitly targeted in this round, the reduction in in-store offerings may impact overall foot traffic and convenience, especially in smaller towns where Morrisons operates as a central hub.
How Will These Closures Affect Morrisons Employees and Local Communities?
The closures will directly impact approximately 365 jobs, including café staff, counter workers, and store associates.
Many affected employees are facing uncertainty regarding their future roles, with only some being offered redeployment opportunities.
Impacts on Employees
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The closures will directly impact approximately 365 jobs, including café staff, counter workers and store associates.
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Many affected employees face uncertainty regarding their future roles; some will be offered redeployment opportunities, but relocation options are minimal.
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Some stores are closing with only days of notice, increasing the pressure on staff and communities.
Impacts on Local Communities
- Loss of a nearby convenience outlet
- Reduced access to Post Office and other essential services
- Potential negative effects on nearby businesses due to reduced foot traffic
In Haxby, local MP Luke Charters expressed concern, calling the closure “sad news for those who rely on these services for their jobs and daily needs”.
The scale of the programme (103 closures) means that many more communities will be affected than originally indicated just for the 17 convenience stores. The ripple-effects on local high streets and service access are therefore larger than previously anticipated.
What Does This Mean for the Future of Morrisons in the UK Retail Sector?
These store closures signal a major transformation for Morrisons, moving away from small-format convenience stores and toward investing in more profitable areas.
The supermarket is working to strengthen its online delivery capabilities and explore more efficient formats.
While some may view the closures as a retreat, Morrisons views this as an opportunity to evolve:
- Focus on larger stores and e-commerce
- Reinvestment in core grocery services
- Better use of capital in high-performing regions
With a reduced market share of 8.5%, Morrisons is under pressure to remain relevant amid growing competition from discounters and online platforms.
The broader closure programme (103 outlets) underscores that Morrisons is not simply pruning a few loss-making formats, it’s undertaking one of the largest restructures in its recent history. The decision to shutter cafes, florists, pharmacies, fresh-food counters and convenience stores alike suggests a major shift in business strategy.
How Can You Check If Your Local Morrisons Is Closing Soon?
If you’re concerned about whether your local Morrisons Daily is affected, there are several ways to check:
- Visit the Morrisons official website where updates are regularly posted
- Use the store locator tool to verify operational status
- Look out for in-store announcements and posters
- Monitor local news outlets and social media channels
- Ask staff directly for the most accurate and updated information
The company is also issuing emails and notifications to loyalty card holders. However, due to the short notice given in this round of closures, not all customers have been adequately informed in advance, so staying proactive is key.
Conclusion
The closure of 17 Morrisons Daily stores and a further 103 outlets across the UK marks a pivotal moment in Morrisons’ journey to modernise and compete in an ever-evolving retail landscape.
While necessary from a business perspective, these decisions carry real impacts on local communities, employees, and loyal customers. For those affected, it’s important to stay informed, check local updates, and explore alternative options in your area.
As Morrisons focuses on cutting costs and investing in core areas, only time will tell whether this strategic shift will strengthen its long-term position in the UK supermarket sector.
FAQs About Morrisons Store Closures
Will Morrisons offer relocation options for affected staff?
Yes, Morrisons has indicated it will try to redeploy affected employees, though suitable opportunities may be limited nationwide.
Are other UK supermarkets planning similar closures?
Yes, competitors like Tesco and Sainsbury’s have also closed multiple stores in recent years to streamline business operations efficiently.
Can I still use my Morrisons More card at closing branches?
Yes, the More card will remain valid until the store’s official closing day and can be used at nearby Morrisons locations.
Is this part of a larger restructuring of the supermarket industry?
Yes, the entire UK supermarket sector is undergoing major changes due to inflation, rising labour costs, and online shopping growth.
Are the closures permanent or temporary?
The 17 Morrisons Daily store closures are officially confirmed to be permanent by company representatives and internal communications.
Will affected stores have clearance sales before they close?
Yes, several stores are offering final-week discounts and promotions to clear out remaining inventory and attract last-minute shoppers.
How is Morrisons communicating store closures to customers?
Morrisons is using in-store posters, official website announcements, and direct emails to inform loyal customers and local communities.
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