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Morrisons is set to permanently close 17 of its stores across the UK in the coming days, sparking concern among shoppers and employees alike. Here's everything you need to know about the reasons, the timeline, and the impact of this major decision
According to The Sun, the stores will shut down in a few days. According to the grocery behemoth, all stores will close on Wednesday, April 16, with the exception of Haxby, which will close on Wednesday, May 14.
The closures will be "sad news for those who rely on these services for work and everyday needs," according to Luke Charters, the Labour MP for York Outer.
Why is Morrisons closing ?
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In recent years, the retail industry in the UK has faced significant challenges — from rising operational costs and shifting consumer habits to increasing competition. These pressures have made it difficult for even major supermarket brands to maintain profitability across all locations. It's no surprise, then, that Morrisons is reevaluating its store network to stay competitive and relevant.
"The changes we are announcing today are a key part of our plan to renew and reinvigorate Morrisons and allow us to focus our investment on areas that customers truly value and which can play a full part in our growth," stated Rami Baitieh, Morrisons' chief executive.
This decision reflects the company’s effort to streamline its operations and refocus its resources toward more profitable and strategic areas.
Where are the Morrisons Stores Affected by the Closure?
Morrisons has announced that the following 17 stores across the UK will be permanently closed, with most closures taking place on April 16, 2025. Below is the complete list of affected stores and their expected closure dates.
| Store Address | Expected Closure Date |
|---|---|
| Lowestoft Road, Gorleston | April 16, 2025 |
| 3-5 Old Town, Peebles | April 16, 2025 |
| 214 Hutton Road, Shenfield | April 16, 2025 |
| Waterloo Estate, Poole | April 16, 2025 |
| Higham Lane Estate, Tonbridge | April 16, 2025 |
| The Cornmarket, Romsey | April 16, 2025 |
| Lainshaw Street, Stewarton | April 16, 2025 |
| Featherbed Lane, Selsdon | April 16, 2025 |
| 19 The Village, Haxby | May 14, 2025 |
| Queslett Road, Great Barr | April 16, 2025 |
| Oakfield Road, Whickham | April 16, 2025 |
| Queensway, Worle | April 16, 2025 |
| Strand Parade, Goring-By-Sea | April 16, 2025 |
| Westfield Road, Woking | April 16, 2025 |
| 40 Peach Street, Wokingham | April 16, 2025 |
| 51 Sidwell Street, Exeter | April 16, 2025 |
| Moorland Road, Bath | April 16, 2025 |
Why Are Some Morrisons Cafés and Counters Closing?
While Morrisons is known for its affordable and beloved café offerings, recent changes in consumer demand and local economic factors have driven the company to make difficult decisions regarding underperforming cafés and service counters.“Morrisons Cafes are rightly famous for their great quality well-priced food... but a minority have specific local challenges, and in those locations, regrettably, closure and re-allocation of the space is the only sensible option.”
“Although these changes are relatively small in the context of the overall scale of the Morrisons business, we do not take lightly the disruption and uncertainty they will cause...”
For many customers affected by these closures, adjusting their grocery budgets may be necessary. Learn more about How To Manage Your Money Effectively to stay on top of your expenses.
What Does This Mean for Morrisons Customers and Employees?
These closures primarily affect locations with low footfall or economic challenges. For customers, this may result in fewer on-site dining options, while employees face reassignment or support during transition periods. Morrisons has also indicated plans to work with third-party vendors to replace some closed services with specialized offerings.
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