Morrisons has confirmed which of its Morrisons Daily convenience stores have closed or are slated for closure as part of a plan to shut 100 loss-making outlets this year. The supermarket chain announced in May that it would close the stores over the coming months, affecting hundreds of jobs.
Stores Already Closed or Set to Close
While the full list of 100 affected stores has not been released, Morrisons has confirmed several branches that are closing or have already shut. These include:
- Fairfax Avenue, Hull
- Esk Close, Guisborough
- Zetland Road, Loftus
- Stokesley High Street, Middlesbrough
- Queen Street, Redcar
- Middle Street, South Driffield
- Woodthorpe, York
- Crockhamwell Road, Woodley
- Crown Wood, Bracknell
Some of these closures will also affect Post Office branches located inside the stores. For example, the Post Office branches in Woodley and Crown Wood are expected to close. According to The Sun, the Post Office is seeking applications from nearby retailers in Crown Wood where it could relocate.
Background on the Closures
The Morrisons Daily stores marked for closure are described as 'the most challenged' loss-makers. All are former McColl's outlets that Morrisons acquired in 2022. The chain operates around 1,700 convenience stores and 500 supermarkets, employing approximately 95,000 people. Morrisons is currently consulting affected staff, according to reports.
Morrisons' Statement
A spokesperson for Morrisons confirmed the convenience store closures to Metro, stating that the 'expansion of the company's convenience business is a core part of Morrisons' growth strategy.' They added: '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.'
'This situation has been exacerbated in more recent years by significant cost increases resulting from government policy choices,' the spokesperson continued. '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. 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.'
Morrisons has also shut cafes, florists, and fresh food counters in the past year.
Broader High Street Closures
Dozens of high street shops, restaurants, and banks have been affected by closures over the last few months. Quiz Clothing fell into administration, while Poundstretcher warned it could be forced to file for administration. Modella Capital suggested up to 150 former WHSmith shops could close under restructuring plans. Restaurant chain Franco Manca confirmed it would close 16 of its UK locations, and its sister restaurant The Real Greek announced nine closures. Around 200 Brewers Fayre and Beefeater restaurants, operated by Premier Inn owner Whitbread, were announced to close. Chains such as GAME, The Original Factory Shop, Claire's Accessories, and Poundland have also closed stores this year. More recently, comedian Romesh Ranganathan was left 'gutted' after the 89-year-old bakery he co-owns, Coughlans Bakery, fell into voluntary liquidation.
