Morrisons, one of the UK's leading supermarket chains, has confirmed plans to close 100 of its Morrisons Daily convenience stores, with several branches already shut and more closures expected over the coming months. The decision, announced in May 2026, will affect hundreds of jobs as the company seeks to address persistent losses at the affected sites.
Background and Scope of Closures
The stores earmarked for closure are all former McColl's outlets that Morrisons acquired as part of its expansion into the convenience market. According to the company, these stores have been "loss-making" for a number of years despite repeated remedial efforts. Morrisons operates approximately 1,700 convenience stores and 500 supermarkets across the UK, employing around 95,000 people.
A spokesperson for Morrisons told Metro: "The performance of all company-owned stores across our convenience business is subject to continuous review. This process has identified a number of stores, which were part of the McColl’s acquisition, whose performance has been challenged for a number of years and which are loss-making, despite remedial action."
Reasons Behind the Closures
The spokesperson added that the situation has been "exacerbated in more recent years by significant cost increases resulting from government policy choices." The company is currently consulting with affected staff members, though the full list of 100 stores has not yet been released. Morrisons has, however, confirmed a partial list of branches that will close or have already closed.
Confirmed Store Closures
The following branches have been confirmed for closure:
- Fairfax Avenue, Hull
- Esk Close, Guisborough
- Zetland Road, Loftus
- Stokesley High Street, Stokesley
- Queen Street, Redcar
- Middle Street, South Driffield
- Woodthorpe, York
- Crockhamwell Road, Woodley
- Crown Wood, Bracknell
Impact on Jobs and Communities
The closures will affect hundreds of jobs, though Morrisons has stated it is consulting with staff. The chain emphasized that the decision is part of a broader strategy to focus on stores that "work best for customers." The spokesperson concluded: "The combination of the proposed closure of loss-making stores and the continued addition of attractive new franchise openings will enable us to concentrate on those stores which work best for customers."
Future of Morrisons Convenience Business
Despite the closures, Morrisons reiterated that the expansion of its convenience business remains "a core part" of its growth strategy. The company plans to continue opening new franchise stores while shutting underperforming company-owned outlets. This dual approach aims to strengthen the overall convenience network and improve financial performance.
