Morrisons is set to close around 100 convenience stores across the UK this year, dealing another major blow to Britain’s struggling high streets as retailers continue to face rising costs and weakening consumer demand.
The closures will affect Morrisons Daily convenience shops, with many expected to shut over the coming months. Hundreds of jobs are likely to be impacted as the supermarket group reviews the performance of its company-owned stores.
Reports suggest the targeted locations are among the weakest-performing stores in the chain and have remained loss-making for several years despite efforts to improve profitability.
All of the affected Morrisons Daily outlets were originally part of the McColl’s convenience store network, which Morrisons acquired in 2022 after the retailer collapsed into administration.
The supermarket giant is understood to be consulting with affected employees while final decisions on closures are made.
Morrisons currently employs around 95,000 staff across the UK and operates approximately 1,700 convenience stores alongside around 500 supermarkets nationwide.
The latest move follows a wider restructuring programme by the retailer, which has already included the closure of cafés, florists and fresh food counters in several stores over the past year.
A spokesperson for Morrisons said the company continues to view convenience retail as an important part of its long-term growth strategy but admitted some former McColl’s sites have struggled financially for years.
The company said rising operating costs and wider economic pressures had worsened the situation, forcing difficult decisions over underperforming locations.
Morrisons added that while some stores will close, the business intends to continue expanding through new franchise openings and investment in stronger-performing sites.
The closures come amid growing challenges across the UK retail and hospitality sectors, with a number of major chains announcing restructuring plans, store shutdowns and job cuts in recent months.
Quiz Clothing recently fell into administration, while Poundstretcher warned it could face a similar financial crisis.
Meanwhile, restructuring plans linked to former WHSmith stores could reportedly result in up to 150 further shop closures.
Restaurant chains have also been affected, with Franco Manca announcing plans to close 16 UK locations, while sister brand The Real Greek confirmed nine closures.
In the hospitality sector, around 200 Brewers Fayre and Beefeater restaurants operated by Whitbread are also expected to close.
Bank branch closures continue across Britain as well. Santander confirmed 27 branch closures this month, while NatWest and Lloyds Banking Group have also announced additional closures across the UK.