Morrisons to shut last of 17 stores in HOURS as part of major shake-up of its supermarkets
MORRISONS is closing the doors of another store tomorrow – its final closure following a string of recent shutdowns across the UK.
The store in Haxby, near York in North Yorkshire, will shut for good on Tuesday, May 14, marking the last of 17 stores to go as part of a major shake-up of the chain's operations.
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Morrisons in Haxby, where the grocer is closing 52 in-store cafés, 35 meat and fish counters, and 18 Market Kitchen food courts as part of a major overhaul
Credit: Google Maps
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Shoppers in Haxby were left disappointed by the decision, with some saying the closure will leave a gap in the local community
Credit: Alamy
The move comes just weeks after Morrisons axed 16 other stores in April alone, citing the need to cut costs amid rising financial pressure.
Shoppers in Haxby were left disappointed by the decision, with some saying the closure will leave a gap in the local community.
Locals who relied on the store for their weekly shop say the closure is a 'huge blow,' especially for elderly customers and those without transport.
One regular shopper told said: 'It's always been a handy place to pop in.
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"I don't know where I'll go now.'
As part of the overhaul, the grocer is also shutting 52 of its in-store cafés, 35 meat and fish counters, and 18 Market Kitchen food courts.
The chain says it's moving towards a leaner model focused on core products and efficiency.
The supermarket is instead investing in tech, rolling out new 'Tally' robots to help customers find items on the shelves and improve stock management.
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Morrisons has pointed the finger at the Government, blaming increased National Insurance contributions for employers and the recent hike in minimum wage for rising business costs.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves defended the measures, claiming they're vital for securing Britain's economic future and funding services such as the NHS.
Morrisons major shake-up
She also pointed to a new £5 billion trade deal with India – the biggest since Brexit – as a boost for the economy.
Despite the closures, Morrisons remains popular with shoppers for its affordable prices and generous perks.
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The chain has been praised for allowing loyalty points to be used on essentials like baby milk, and for offering low-cost garden products, cleaning brands, and even free flowers on Mother's Day.
Still, the Haxby closure marks another sign of the changing face of Britain's high streets, with many concerned about how smaller towns will cope with fewer supermarkets.
The store will officially close its doors at the end of trading on Tuesday.
Staff have been offered roles at nearby branches where possible, but not all employees are expected to be kept on.
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Morrisons said in a statement: 'We continually review our estate to make sure we are operating in the right locations.
"Unfortunately, the decision has been made to close our Haxby store. We thank our colleagues and customers for their support.'
Morrisons' wave of closures
Morrisons has announced that several of their major and local stores will be closing down.
In total, 52 of its cafes, 35 of its meat and fish counters and 18 of its Market Kitchen food courts will be closing down.
Also, 16 Morrisons Daily locations were shuttered in April as part of a cost-cutting mission.
The closed locations include: Lowestoft Road, Gorleston
3-5 Old Town, Peebles
214 Hutton Road, Shenfield
Waterloo Estate, Poole
Higham Lane Estate, Tonbridge
The Cornmarket, Romsey
Lainshaw Street, Stewarton
Featherbed Lane, Selsdon
19 The Village, Haxby
Queslett Road, Great Barr
Oakfield Road, Whickham
Queensway, Worle
Strand Parade, Goring-By-Sea
Westfield Road, Woking
40 Peach Street, Wokingham
51 Sidwell Street, Exeter
Moorland Road, Bath
Haxby, North Yorkshire
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