Morrisons Store Closures: Unveiling the Full Impact Across the North and Beyond

Introduction

In recent weeks, Morrisons, one of the UK's leading supermarket chains, has announced significant store closures across the country, impacting a variety of services and resulting in substantial job losses. This move is part of a strategic reorganization aimed at aligning costs with customer demand. The closures include in-store cafes, convenience stores, florists, meat and fish counters, and pharmacies. As the supermarket sector continues to evolve in response to changing consumer behaviors and economic pressures, Morrisons' decision underscores the challenges faced by traditional brick-and-mortar retailers.

Impact Overview

Morrisons' decision affects over 365 jobs nationwide, with a notable impact on locations in the North, including Yorkshire, the North East, and Scotland. While some employees may be redeployed, many are facing uncertainty as the retail landscape continues its transformation.

Key Services Affected

Cafes: 52 in-store cafes are closing down.
Convenience Stores: 17 Morrisons Daily convenience stores are shutting their doors.
Market Kitchens: All 18 Market Kitchen food-to-go counters are being closed.
Florists: 13 in-store florists will cease operations.
Meat and Fish Counters: 35 each of meat and fish counters will no longer offer fresh service.
Pharmacies: Four pharmacies are closing as part of the restructure.

Full List of Cafes Closing in the North

The closures in the North affect several locations:

Bradford, Thornbury – West Yorkshire
Leeds, Swinnow Road – West Yorkshire
Leeds, Horsforth – West Yorkshire
Blackburn, Railway Road – Lancashire
Failsworth, Poplar Street – Greater Manchester
Newcastle Upon Tyne, Cowgate – Tyne and Wear
Newcastle, Great Park – Tyne and Wear
Halifax, Elland – West Yorkshire
Kirkham, Poulton Street – Lancashire
Bellshill, John Street – North Lanarkshire, Scotland
Dumbarton, Glasgow Road – West Dunbartonshire, Scotland
East Kilbride, Lindsayfield – South Lanarkshire, Scotland
East Kilbride, Stewartfield – South Lanarkshire, Scotland
Glasgow, Newlands – Glasgow, Scotland
Largs, Irvine Road – North Ayrshire, Scotland
Troon, Academy Street – South Ayrshire, Scotland
Wishaw, Kirk Road – North Lanarkshire, Scotland

Convenience Stores Closing in the North

Haxby Village – North Yorkshire
Whickham, Oakfield Road – Tyne and Wear

Worker Support and Response

The Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (USDAW) has vowed support for affected staff, emphasizing the need to minimize job losses in communities where these stores are vital. Darren Matthews, USDAW National Officer, highlighted the importance of redeployment options and ensuring that as many employees as possible remain employed.

Community Impact

The closures not only affect employees but also local communities that rely on these services for essential shopping and dining experiences. Morrisons has suggested that third-party operators could fill some gaps, potentially mitigating the impact on local economies.

Strategic Rationale

Morrisons attributes the closure decision to services where costs have become significantly out of line with customer demand. Despite the closure of over 50 cafes, the company believes the format remains viable in many areas, indicating a strategic review of operations to enhance efficiency and profitability.

Timeline for Closures

The majority of closures will take effect on April 16, 2025, with the Haxby village branch's closure delayed until May 14, 2025. This staggered approach allows for a phased adjustment, potentially easing the transition for both staff and customers.

Conclusion

Morrisons' decision to close various services across its stores reflects broader trends in the retail industry, where companies are continually assessing their operations to ensure they align with consumer preferences and economic realities. As the supermarket sector evolves, Morrisons' strategy aims to position itself more competitively, despite the immediate challenges faced by affected employees and communities.

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