Morrisons closes 54 cafes and 14 stores

Morrisons confirms a restructuring that will close more than 50 in-store cafes and several Morrisons Daily stores, affecting thousands of jobs.

Morrisons shuts 54 cafes and 14 stores across the UK

Morrisons has announced the closure of more than 50 in-store cafes and several Morrisons Daily convenience stores as part of a restructuring drive. The move is expected to result in around 3,600 job losses and a broader reconfiguration of the group’s shop format across the country. The company said the year to October 27 2024 showed a return to profit helped by the sale of its petrol forecourts to Motor Fuel Group, while underlying continuing operations posted smaller losses than in previous years. In the second quarter Morrisons reported a 3.9 percent rise in like for like sales and a 4.2 percent increase in total sales to 3.9 billion pounds. The workforce has been trimmed from 104,819 to 101,144. Chief Executive Rami Baitieh said the focus remains on value for customers amid inflation and subdued demand, with emphasis on price promotions and loyalty rewards. Earlier this year the grocer closed 17 Morrisons Daily stores, and the closures are part of a broader cost cutting trend seen across major supermarkets in the sector.

The closures illustrate a shift in the UK grocery market from expansion to efficiency. A profit rebound that owes much to asset sales masks ongoing pressure in Morrisons' core operations. The human cost is high, with thousands of jobs affected and communities potentially losing convenient local options. The plan underscores a broader industry move toward leaner networks and tighter cost controls, even as price competition remains fierce and consumer spending stays cautious. How Morrisons balances lower store numbers with maintaining customer loyalty will shape its reputation and long term performance.

Highlights

The future tests whether Morrisons can sustain value for shoppers while shrinking its store footprint.