Morrisons Reopens Meat and Fish Market Counters

Morrisons is bringing back some of its much-loved Market Street counters, reversing part of last year’s cost-cutting measures after listening to customer feedback.

The supermarket chain had previously closed all 18 of its Market Kitchen sites, along with 35 meat counters, 35 fish counters, 52 cafés, 13 florists, and four pharmacies. At the time, the company said the closures were necessary because the services were no longer profitable.

However, Morrisons has now confirmed that selected Market Street meat and fish counters will gradually reopen over the coming months. The move follows strong demand from shoppers, with the retailer describing the counters as a key part of its identity.

A spokesperson said the traditional counters are “part of our DNA” and remain “at the heart of our offer and a real differentiator for Morrisons.” The company added that it has learned valuable lessons from the closures and has developed a more efficient operating model.

The redesigned counters will feature traditional assisted service alongside grab-and-go options and flatbed displays, helping to reduce waste while maintaining the shopping experience customers enjoy.

The first reopened meat and fish counters are now operating in stores at Great Park Newcastle, Herne Bay, Thornbury, Yeadon, and Bolton Dawes. Additional locations are expected to reopen in stages, with a small number added each month, although Morrisons has not confirmed exactly how many will return.

Despite the revival of these counters, the retailer has no plans to reopen the cafés, florists, pharmacies, or Market Kitchen sites that were shut last year.

The reopening is part of a broader refresh of the Market Street concept, which also includes the introduction of digital ordering screens at pizza counters in selected stores.

The announcement comes as Morrisons continues to reshape its business. Earlier this year, the supermarket confirmed plans to close around 100 locations across its UK estate, citing rising employment costs, including increases to the National Living Wage and employers’ National Insurance contributions.

So far, the company has announced the first seven stores scheduled for closure:

• Fairfax Avenue, Hull
• Esk Close, Guisborough
• Zetland Road, Loftus
• Stokesley High Street, Middlesbrough
• Queen Street, Redcar
• Middle Street, South Driffield
• Woodthorpe, York

Morrisons says it will continue reviewing its estate while investing in areas of the business that customers value most.