Morrisons has announced a sweeping series of closures across its UK operations as part of a major transformation plan aimed at revamping its business under CEO Rami Baitieh. The move will see 52 in-store cafés, 17 convenience stores, and a range of other specialist services shut down—putting 365 jobs at risk.

The closures, revealed on Monday (March 24), form part of a wider overhaul that also includes the complete shutdown of all 18 Market Kitchens, along with 13 florists, 35 meat counters, 35 fish counters, and four pharmacies.

Focus on ‘Customer Value’

Explaining the decision, Morrisons CEO Rami Baitieh said:

“The changes we are announcing today are a necessary part of our plans to renew and reinvigorate Morrisons and enable us to focus our investment into the areas that customers really value and that can play a full part in our growth.”

Although 365 roles are under threat, the supermarket chain says it expects “the vast majority” of affected staff to be redeployed into alternative positions within the business.

Full List of Morrisons Cafés Set to Close

Among the 52 cafés set to close are stores in major towns and cities across England, Scotland, and Wales, including:

• London (Queensbury, Erith, Wood Green, Stratford, Sidcup)
• Leeds (Swinnow Road, Horsforth)
• West Yorkshire (Bradford, Elland)
• Scotland (Paisley, Bellshill, East Kilbride, Glasgow, Helensburgh)
• Wales (Caernarfon, Connah’s Quay, Brecon)

Other locations impacted include Gloucester, High Wycombe, Leighton Buzzard, Mansfield, Bromsgrove, and Great Park in Tyne and Wear.

Convenience Store Closures

Seventeen Morrisons convenience stores are also slated for closure, with impacted branches located in:

• Peebles, Stewarton, and Poole
• Romsey, Tonbridge, Wokingham, Exeter, and Bath
• Greater London (Selsdon)
• Surrey (Woking)
• Devon, Somerset, Kent, and Essex

These closures follow previous cutbacks announced by the retailer, including a separate round last year which impacted more than 200 head office roles across recruitment, payroll, and employee engagement.

Industry Impact and Reaction

The latest shake-up comes amid rising competition in the UK grocery sector, with major chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Aldi aggressively expanding or cutting costs to stay competitive.

Retail analyst Clive Black of Shore Capital said:

“Morrisons is taking decisive, if difficult, steps to streamline operations in line with modern consumer demands. While closures are painful, this could pave the way for more strategic reinvestment.”

Campaigns to Support Affected Staff

Trade unions and worker advocacy groups have urged Morrisons to ensure fair treatment and re-employment opportunities for those impacted. Staff at affected locations are currently in consultation and will be offered alternative roles where possible, the company confirmed.