Morrisons has confirmed the closure of a popular convenience store in Berkshire as part of wider plans to shut around 100 Morrisons Daily stores across the United Kingdom. The supermarket chain recently revealed its intention to close dozens of Morrisons Daily branches as part of a broader strategy to enhance the overall performance of its convenience store network.
Background of the Closures
The stores in question were originally acquired as part of a £190 million rescue deal for McColl's in 2022. Morrisons stated that these stores have been under continuous review but have been loss-making for some time, despite efforts to boost trading. The retailer noted that the situation has been exacerbated by significant cost increases resulting from government policy choices, including increases in the national living wage and a hike in employer National Insurance contributions.
Confirmed Locations and Impact
Morrisons has not provided a full list of the stores set to close, as discussions with employees are ongoing. However, some locations have been confirmed. One of the latest confirmed closures is a Morrisons Daily branch in Crown Wood, Bracknell, which also houses a Post Office. The Post Office has stated that it is seeking applications from retailers interested in hosting a branch in the area to replace it.
A Post Office spokesperson commented: “We have been informed by Morrisons that following a review they are to take the difficult decision to close the Morrisons Daily store where Crown Wood Post Office is located. We fully recognise the inconvenience this will cause our customers who rely on our banking and parcel services in particular.”
Company-Owned vs. Franchised Stores
The chain stressed that the move affects company-owned stores only, not its franchised stores, which are part of the business that continues to expand.
Employee Impact and Support
Morrisons has acknowledged that the proposal means store colleagues will now be at risk of redundancy. The retailer has pledged to provide support to those affected, including plans to find other opportunities for affected workers where possible.
A Morrisons spokesperson said: “The performance of all company-owned stores across our convenience business is subject to continuous review. Having completed the review, we are now proposing to take the tough but necessary decision to close a number of these stores over the next few months. 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.”
