Morrisons Plans Major Closure of Cafés and Stores Nationwide

Morrisons, one of the largest supermarket chains in the UK, announced plans to close over 100 cafés, florists, pharmacies, and daily stores by the end of 2025. This decision will affect customers nationwide, marking a significant shift for the retailer, which previously operated 497 supermarkets across England, Wales, Scotland, and Gibraltar, employing approximately 110,000 workers.

The closures include 51 cafés, all 18 Market Kitchens, 13 florists, and four pharmacies. Locations will span the country, impacting areas from Kent in the southeast to Scotland in the north. The shuttering of these facilities is expected to begin “over the next few months,” following an official announcement made in March 2025.

In Wales, three specific cafés are scheduled to close. Most of the daily store closures have already occurred, with 17 daily convenience stores having closed their doors in April. The remaining locations include branches in Poole (Dorset), Exeter (Devon), and Bath (Somerset).

Morrisons’ Chief Executive, Rami Baitieh, highlighted that the decision stems from rising operational costs that are “significantly out of line with usage, volumes, or the value that customers place on them.” He added, “A minority have specific local challenges and in those locations, regrettably, closure and re-allocation of the space is the only sensible option.”

The closures will not only affect customers but will also lead to a redistribution of some staff, as Morrisons plans to relocate employees to other areas of the business. The company aims to streamline operations while focusing on sectors that are more valuable to customers.

Despite the closures, Morrisons maintains that its café business has a promising future in most locations. Where cafés are closing, the retailer intends to collaborate with third parties to offer specialized services. In 2021, Morrisons operated 406 cafés, showcasing the extent of the current reduction.

The closures of cafés and Market Kitchens reflect a broader trend within the supermarket sector, as retailers increasingly adapt to changing consumer preferences and economic pressures. Morrisons first introduced its Market Kitchen concept to provide freshly prepared meals in-store, but will now phase out these locations along with the cafés.

The Market Kitchen initiative featured various food counters that specialized in different cuisines, providing a unique dining experience within the supermarket. As the chain looks ahead, it aims to concentrate on areas that resonate more with shopper demands while navigating the challenges of a competitive retail landscape.

In summary, Morrisons’ upcoming closures signal a strategic shift for the supermarket chain as it seeks to realign its operations in response to evolving market conditions. The impact will be felt nationwide, particularly among customers who have relied on these services for convenience and quality.