Morrisons has confirmed it will shut a store that opened only two years ago, as part of a broader plan to close 100 outlets across the UK. The supermarket giant's decision has been described as a devastating blow for shoppers in the affected areas.
Calne Store Closure Confirmed
One of the stores set to close is located in Phelps Parade, Calne, Wiltshire. Despite opening approximately two years ago, Morrisons has confirmed the outlet will shut, although no official date has been announced yet. The news was first reported by the Express.
Reasons Behind the Closures
The 100 closures will primarily affect smaller Morrisons Daily shops situated on high streets and in residential areas. Last month, the company cited significant cost increases due to government policy choices as a key reason for the closures. In a statement to the Wiltshire Gazette and Herald, a Morrisons spokesperson explained that the company had identified stores whose performance had been challenged for several years and which were loss-making.
The spokesperson added: “Expansion of our convenience business is a core part of Morrisons’ growth strategy. We currently have around 1,700 convenience stores, opening more than 120 new franchise stores last year, and we have a robust plan in place for further expansion in 2026. We continue to see the opportunity to open hundreds more franchise convenience stores in the years ahead.”
Continuous Review of Store Performance
The spokesperson noted that the performance of all company-owned stores across the convenience business is subject to continuous review. This process has identified several stores, which were part of the McColl’s acquisition, whose performance has been challenged for a number of years and which are loss-making, despite remedial action.
As Morrisons moves forward with its closures, the company remains focused on expanding its convenience store network through franchises, with plans to open hundreds more in the coming years.
