Morrisons has confirmed it will close 17 stores as part of a major restructuring plan. The closures are due to rising financial pressures including National Insurance contributions and a minimum wage increase. The decision was made as part of efforts to streamline operations and reduce costs. As reported by Manchester Evening News, these closures will affect multiple locations across the UK, with April 2023 marked as the start of the process, followed by further closures in May.
Financial Struggles and Restructuring Efforts
The closures stem from the increasing operational costs that Morrisons is facing. The rise in National Insurance and the scheduled minimum wage increase have placed significant financial strain on the retailer. As a result, the company has decided to restructure and focus on streamlining its operations, closing stores that have become less profitable.
The company hopes that by reducing the number of smaller Morrisons Daily stores and some other non-essential services, it will better position itself to thrive in the competitive retail landscape.
Full List of Morrisons Daily Stores Closing
As part of the restructuring, 17 Morrisons Daily stores will close, with the closures taking effect on April 16, 2023, for most locations. These include:
- 3-5 Old Town, Peebles
- 40 Peach Street, Wokingham
- 51 Sidwell Street, Exeter
- Featherbed Lane, Selsdon
- Higham Lane Estate, Tonbridge
- 214 Hutton Road, Shenfield
- Lainshaw Street, Stewarton
- Lowestoft Road, Gorleston
- Moorland Road, Bath
- Oakfield Road, Whickham
- Queslett Road, Great Barr
- Queensway, Worle
- Strand Parade, Goring-By-Sea
- The Cornmarket, Romsey
- Waterloo Estate, Poole
- Westfield Road, Woking
19 The Village, Haxby will remain open until May 14, marking the final closure in the list.
These closures are part of a broader effort to focus on more profitable stores, but the impact on local communities and staff members remains a concern, with 365 jobs potentially at risk. The company has promised support for affected employees and plans to redeploy them where possible.
