Morrisons has confirmed it is reopening Market Street meat and fish counters at 13 stores, reversing last year’s closures after strong customer complaints.
Why Morrisons Closed The Counters
In 2025, Morrisons closed 35 meat counters and 35 fish counters across its stores as part of a wider cost-cutting plan. At the same time, the chain shut 52 cafes, 13 florists, four pharmacies, and all 18 branches of its Market Kitchen food format. The company said at the time that these locations were unprofitable, according to The Grocer.
Why The Decision Was Reversed
The closures caused a strong negative reaction from shoppers. Senior Morrisons executives acknowledged that the cost cutting may have gone too far, and the company began reopening some counters after listening to customer feedback. A Morrisons spokesperson said the Market Street counters are part of the company’s identity and a key point of difference from other supermarkets, based on comments reported by Retail Gazette.
How Many Stores Are Reopening
Morrisons confirmed that 13 stores in total will have their Market Street counters restored. Five stores had already reopened their counters at the time of reporting, while eight more were expected to follow in the coming weeks. Morrisons has not confirmed whether all 70 originally closed counters will eventually return, and said more locations are still being reviewed, according to The Comet.
Full List Of Reopened And Confirmed Stores
The table below lists the stores confirmed so far. Morrisons has not published the complete list of all 13 stores publicly, so this reflects the locations named in official statements and news reports at this time.
| Store Location | Status |
|---|---|
| Great Park, Newcastle | Already reopened |
| Herne Bay | Already reopened |
| Thornbury | Already reopened |
| Yeadon, Leeds | Already reopened |
| Bolton Dawes | Already reopened |
| London Queensbury | Confirmed to reopen |
| St Helens Baxter’s Lane | Confirmed to reopen |
| Bath London Road | Confirmed to reopen |
| London Enfield | Confirmed to reopen |
| Chapel-en-le-Frith | Confirmed to reopen |
This information comes from North Wales Live and GB News.
What Changes At The Reopened Counters
The reopened counters are not simply returning in their old form. Morrisons said it has improved how it manages waste and yield at its counters over the past year, making them cheaper to run. The counters will also include flatbed displays and expanded grab-and-go food options, along with digital ordering screens at pizza counters, according to Meat Management.
What This Means For Shoppers
Customers at the confirmed stores can now buy fresh meat and fish prepared by in-store butchers and fishmongers, rather than only pre-packed products. Morrisons said additional stores are still being assessed, and further reopening announcements are expected, based on reporting from Grocery Gazette.
