Morrisons is reinstating its fish and meat counters following significant customer backlash after the supermarket chain scrapped 70 traditional Market Street counters last year as part of cost-saving measures.
The retailer has confirmed that counters have already been restored at five branches, with eight additional stores confirmed to receive them. A Morrisons spokesperson said: "Our Market Street counters are part of our DNA. They are at the heart of our offer and a real differentiator for Morrisons."
Restored and Confirmed Locations
The complete list of branches where counters are returning or have already been restored includes:
- Great Park, Newcastle
- Herne Bay
- Thornbury
- Yeadon, Leeds
- Bolton Dawes
- London Queensbury
- Chapel-en-le-Frith
- London Enfield
- Speke
- Bath London Road
- Todmorden
- St Helens Baxter's Lane
- Porth
Operational Improvements
Morrisons stated it has learned from the closures and enhanced waste yield over the past year, making the counters more economical to operate. The counters will remain staffed but are being modernised with flatbeds and additional grab-and-go selections, the firm said. Further changes to Market Street include digital ordering screens at pizza counters and expanded prepared food options.
Previous Cuts and Future Plans
Last year, the chain also announced the closure of 52 cafés, 13 florists, four pharmacies and all 18 branches of its Market Kitchen format. Morrisons has not disclosed how many of the 70 removed meat and fish counters will eventually be restored. It is currently evaluating its next wave of reopenings, with additional locations set to be announced.
