Latest news with #RamiBaitiéh
New Statesman
14-05-2025
- Business
- New Statesman
Britain's aisles of strangers
The last Morrisons café is closing its doors. Since April, the supermarket chain has been shutting down its 52 in-store cafés, ending with the Haxby branch in north Yorkshire on 14 May. Seeking a leaner model, the company is instead trialling new 'robots' to guide customers through the aisles and check stock levels, pricing and placement. This isn't just a niche retail story. As high streets have withered and councils have cut municipal spaces, supermarkets play a significant role in people's social lives in Britain today. (Many superstores even resemble ersatz townhalls with clocktowers and steep gables – following what is known as the 'Essex Barn' architectural style, after planning officers ruled in the Seventies that an Asda in the Essex town of South Woodham Ferrers should mirror the county's heritage buildings.) I have read 'place diaries' submitted by participants in a study by Cambridge University's Bennett Institute for Public Policy, which revealed people across the country recounting 'meaningful' experiences and 'first-name terms' conversations while food shopping. The academics behind this research highlighted the significance of what they labelled 'weak ties' or 'micro-interactions' to our well-being. 'There have been studies looking at the power of 'weak ties', say between a barista and a customer, or informal interactions between strangers on trains, for example,' the Bennett Institute's Rosa Marks told me. 'They've all shown to lead to better mental health and general happiness. There is a real power to these casual interactions that I think are often taken for granted.' I saw this first-hand when I stationed myself at the 'Chatty Café' table at a Morrisons on a Wednesday morning in Maldon, Essex, last year. Over cups of milky tea and jugs of squash, cashiers in their twenties chatted with elderly pensioners, as parents of young children popped in and solitary shoppers nodded along to the conversation at nearby tables. The discussion spanned hospital scan results, food prices, grief, and last night's telly. Morrisons CEO Rami Baitiéh has blamed the supermarket's cost-cutting measures on the government, which hiked national insurance and minimum wage, as well as introducing a packaging levy, last year. Whether or not this is fair criticism, politicians and government officials should pay more attention to what it really means to a community when supermarkets decide to downscale. Keir Starmer fears the prospect of an 'island of strangers'. In a Britain where a quarter of adults feel lonely, perhaps he should look at the aisles of strangers first. [See also: How Labour learned to love immigration control] Subscribe to The New Statesman today from only £8.99 per month Subscribe Related
Daily Mirror
14-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Morrisons closing final of 17 stores today in major blow for shoppers
The supermarket closed 16 of its Morrisons Daily convenience stores last month and now its branch in Haxby is shutting today Morrisons is set to close the final of 17 stores today as part of its major restructure plans. The supermarket closed 16 of its Morrisons Daily convenience stores last month and now its branch in Haxby is shutting today. It isn't just Morrisons Daily stores that have been impacted. The supermarket also announced plans to shut 52 of its in-store cafés, all 18 of its market kitchens, 13 florists, 35 meat counters, 35 fish counters and four pharmacies. Morrisons said a "wide-ranging review" found these services were not cost-effective. At the time, the supermarket said most employees affected by these changes will be offered alternative roles elsewhere in the company - however, 365 people were still put at risk of redundancy. The shake-up is also partly to "help mitigate recent significant cost increases" including an increase in employers' National Insurance and the minimum wage. Rami Baitiéh, Chief Executive of Morrisons, said at the time of the announcement: 'The changes we are announcing today are a necessary part of our plans to renew and reinvigorate Morrisons and enable us to focus our investment into the areas that customers really value and that can play a full part in our growth. 'Morrisons Cafés are rightly famous for their great quality well-priced food, their place in the local community and their appealing mix of traditional favourites alongside exciting new dishes. 'In most locations the Morrisons Café has a bright future, but a minority have specific local challenges and in those locations, regrettably, closure and re-allocation of the space is the only sensible option. 'Market Street is a beacon of differentiation for Morrisons and we remain committed to it. But as we modernise we are making some necessary changes to the areas of the model which are simply uneconomic. 'In some stores where we are closing counters or Cafés, we plan to work with third parties to provide a relevant specialist offer. Although these changes are relatively small in the context of the overall scale of the Morrisons business, we do not take lightly the disruption and uncertainty they will cause to some of our colleagues.' It comes after Morrisons axed two of its loyalty scheme offers - leaving shoppers furious. The supermarket previously ran Fish Fridays and Steak Saturdays promotions which gave More Card customers 20% off fish and steak from its Market Street counters. Full list of affected Morrisons Daily stores Gorleston Lowestoft Road - closed April 16 Peebles 3-5 Old Town - closed April 16 Shenfield 214 Hutton Road - closed April 16 Poole Waterloo Estate - closed April 16 Tonbridge Higham Lane Est - closed April 16 Romsey The Cornmarket - closed April 16 Stewarton Lainshaw Street - closed April 16 Selsdon Featherbed Lane - closed April 16 Haxby Village - closing May 14 Great Barr Queslett Road - closed April 16 Whickham Oakfield Road - closed April 16 Worle - closed April 16 Goring-By-Sea Strand Parade - closed April 16 Woking Westfield Road - closed April 16 Wokingham 40 Peach Street - closed April 16 Exeter 51 Sidwell Street - closed April 16 Bath Moorland Road - closed April 16
Scottish Sun
26-04-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Supermarket giant giving out FREE doughnuts in cafes
The treat comes as a celebration of Spring FREE doughnuts are being handed out by a supermarket giant - here's how to get yours. Shoppers warn they better "make the most of the free doughnut," as many of this retailers in-store cafes have shut recently. 3 To celebrate spring, Morrisons is treating customers to a free doughnut when they purchase any hot drink in a Morrisons Café 3 The doughnuts are freshly baked daily by Morrisons expert bakers Credit: alamy Morrisons is giving out a free doughnut when customers buy a refillable hot drink from an in-store cafe. The hot drink selection includes tea, coffee and hot chocolate. It's available in "the majority" of Morrisons cafes, but be warned, the deal ends on Sunday, April 27. Hundreds of shoppers have responded to the news on a Facebook post. One person said: "Our Morrisons cafe in Gorse Covert Loughborough is brilliant and always friendly and clean." Followed by a second: "Got mine today in Perth…took it home, heated it and had it with custard ." "I'll be in today," said another. Meanwhile a fourth commented: "Cafe closes at the end of April so make the most of the free doughnut." It comes as Morrisons announced its decision to shut 54 cafes and 17 stores. Blyth's Crisis: Locals Voice Anger Over Crime, Job Losses, and Political Betrayal Morrisons said they are "not taking the decision lightly" as 365 staff members are plunged into potential redundancy. The news also sparked fears the Kids Eat Free and Free Fruit initiatives could also be scrapped, but Morrisons has now confirmed that this will not be the case. A spokesperson told The Sun: "The Kids Eat Free offer in partnership with Birds Eye remains as does the free fruit for kids." At all Morrisons cafes, children under the age of 16 can get a free kids meal, if their parent of guardian purchases an adult meal priced at £4.50 or over. Children are entitled to one free meal per adult meal purchased, and the meals include a piece of fruit and a bottle of juice or water. The supermarket also hands out free fruit to children within its stores, that is at risk of not being sold before its best before date. The offer is available every day, and aims to reduce food waste, whilst helping kids to reach their five a day. Mass Closures As well as the 52 cafes and 17 Morrisons Daily stores currently closing, a total of 18 Market Kitchens, 13 florists, 35 meat counters, 35 fish counters and four pharmacies will also close their doors. Not only will this disappoint many customers, it also means that 365 workers are at risk of redundancy. Rami Baitiéh, chief executive of Morrisons revealed that the closures, announced today, are to "reinvigorate" the company, and allow money to be invested in other areas. He added: "In most locations the Morrisons Café has a bright future, but a minority have specific local challenges and in those locations, regrettably, closure and re-allocation of the space is the only sensible option. 'Market Street is a beacon of differentiation for Morrisons and we remain committed to it. "But as we modernise we are making some necessary changes to the areas of the model which are simply uneconomic. "In some stores where we are closing counters or Cafés, we plan to work with third parties to provide a relevant specialist offer. 'Although these changes are relatively small in the context of the overall scale of the Morrisons business, we do not take lightly the disruption and uncertainty they will cause to some of our colleagues. "We will of course take particular care to look after all of them well through the coming changes." 3 Morrisons is shutting 52 of its cafes and 17 stores as part of a huge shake-up Credit: getty
The Sun
26-04-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Supermarket giant giving out FREE doughnuts in cafes
FREE doughnuts are being handed out by a supermarket giant - here's how to get yours. Shoppers warn they better "make the most of the free doughnut," as many of this retailers in-store cafes have shut recently. 3 3 Morrisons is giving out a free doughnut when customers buy a refillable hot drink from an in-store cafe. The hot drink selection includes tea, coffee and hot chocolate. It's available in "the majority" of Morrisons cafes, but be warned, the deal ends on Sunday, April 27. One person said: "Our Morrisons cafe in Gorse Covert Loughborough is brilliant and always friendly and clean." Followed by a second: "Got mine today in Perth…took it home, heated it and had it with custard ." "I'll be in today," said another. It comes as Morrisons announced its decision to shut 54 cafes and 17 stores. Morrisons said they are "not taking the decision lightly" as 365 staff members are plunged into potential redundancy. The news also sparked fears the Kids Eat Free and Free Fruit initiatives could also be scrapped, but Morrisons has now confirmed that this will not be the case. A spokesperson told The Sun: "The Kids Eat Free offer in partnership with Birds Eye remains as does the free fruit for kids." At all Morrisons cafes, children under the age of 16 can get a free kids meal, if their parent of guardian purchases an adult meal priced at £4.50 or over. Children are entitled to one free meal per adult meal purchased, and the meals include a piece of fruit and a bottle of juice or water. The supermarket also hands out free fruit to children within its stores, that is at risk of not being sold before its best before date. The offer is available every day, and aims to reduce food waste, whilst helping kids to reach their five a day. Mass Closures As well as the 52 cafes and 17 Morrisons Daily stores currently closing, a total of 18 Market Kitchens, 13 florists, 35 meat counters, 35 fish counters and four pharmacies will also close their doors. Not only will this disappoint many customers, it also means that 365 workers are at risk of redundancy. Rami Baitiéh, chief executive of Morrisons revealed that the closures, announced today, are to "reinvigorate" the company, and allow money to be invested in other areas. He added: "In most locations the Morrisons Café has a bright future, but a minority have specific local challenges and in those locations, regrettably, closure and re-allocation of the space is the only sensible option. 'Market Street is a beacon of differentiation for Morrisons and we remain committed to it. "But as we modernise we are making some necessary changes to the areas of the model which are simply uneconomic. "In some stores where we are closing counters or Cafés, we plan to work with third parties to provide a relevant specialist offer. 'Although these changes are relatively small in the context of the overall scale of the Morrisons business, we do not take lightly the disruption and uncertainty they will cause to some of our colleagues. "We will of course take particular care to look after all of them well through the coming changes." 3 Full list of Morrisons Cafes to close Bradford Thornbury Paisley Falside Rd London Queensbury Portsmouth Great Park Banchory North Deeside Rd Failsworth Poplar Street Blackburn Railway Road Leeds Swinnow Rd London Wood Green Kirkham Poulton St Lutterworth Bitteswell Rd Stirchley Leeds Horsforth London Erith Crowborough Bellshill John St Dumbarton Glasgow Rd East Kilbride Lindsayfield East Kilbride Stewartfield Glasgow Newlands Largs Irvine Rd Troon Academy St Wishaw Kirk Rd Newcastle UT Cowgate Northampton Kettering Road Bromsgrove Buntsford Ind Pk Solihull Warwick Rd Brecon Free St Caernarfon North Rd Hadleigh London - Harrow - Hatch End High Wycombe Temple End Leighton Buzzard Lake St London Stratford Sidcup Westwood Lane Welwyn Garden City Black Fan Rd Warminster Weymouth St Oxted Station Yard Reigate Bell St Borehamwood Weybridge - Monument Hill Bathgate Erskine Bridgewater SC Gorleston Blackwell Road Connah's Quay Mansfield Woodhouse Elland Gloucester - Metz Way Watford - Ascot Road Littlehampton - Wick Helensburgh
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Map shows 17 Morrisons stores set to close from this month
Supermarket giant Morrisons will begin shutting 17 of its stores next week, in addition to 52 cafes, and 18 Market Kitchens. Morrisons hopes to "reinvigorate" the company in the shake up, which will see 16 stores close on April 16 with a further store closing on May 14. The supermarket will close 17 Morrisons Daily branches, which are smaller convenience shops, 11 of which have post offices that are also set to shut. The chain will also close 52 of its cafes, 18 of its Market Kitchen food courts, 35 meat counters, 35 fish counters, and four pharmacies as part of plans announced last month. Morrisons employs 95,000 people in its supermarkets and a further 1,600 at its Morrison's Daily stores, with the latest announcement putting around 365 jobs at risk of redundancy. In March this year chief executive Rami Baitiéh said the changes were a 'necessary part of our plans to renew and reinvigorate Morrisons and enable us to focus our investment into the areas that customers really value and that can play a full part in our growth." 'We do not take lightly the disruption and uncertainty they will cause to some of our colleagues,' Baitiéh added. 'We will of course take particular care to look after all of them well through the coming changes.' Baitiéh has previously blamed the changes announced in Chancellor Rachel Reeves' Autumn Budget as to why the store needed to make changes. He cited the budget's changes to employers' National Insurance, as well as the rise in minimum wage from April, as reasons for the cost-saving measures, earlier this year. He said the UK government exacerbated 'an avalanche of costs' for businesses meaning Morrison's had to 'optimise its operations and to help mitigate recent significant cost increases'. The 17 stores have 11 Post Office counters inside, which are likely to close but perhaps not on the same dates as their respective stores. The Post Office said: "Morrisons has made the difficult decision to close some Morrisons Daily stores, some of which contain Post Offices. We fully recognise the inconvenience this will cause for our customers and apologise for the short notification as these branches close between April 9 and May 14. "We have reviewed Post Office provision in these areas and for most of these affected branches we are advertising the vacancies." Traditional British supermarkets have come under significant pressure from the growth of discounter rivals, such as Aldi and Lidl, with Morrisons now commanding just 8.5 per cent of the market, according to Kantar. The move follows cuts from its rival grocery chain, Sainsbury's, who announced in January that they will cut 3,000 jobs at its remaining cafés, patisserie and pizza counters. The chain says the move to close 61 in-store cafes will "simplify the business", adding that most Sainsbury's shoppers "do not use the cafés regularly". 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 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 19 The Village, Haxby Bradford Thornbury – West Yorkshire Paisley Falside Road – Renfrewshire, Scotland London Queensbury – Greater London Portsmouth – Hampshire Great Park – Tyne and Wear Banchory North Deeside Road – Aberdeenshire, Scotland Failsworth Poplar Street – Greater Manchester Blackburn Railway Road – Lancashire Leeds Swinnow Road – West Yorkshire London Wood Green – Greater London Kirkham Poulton St – Lancashire Lutterworth Bitteswell Road – Leicestershire Stirchley – West Midlands Leeds Horsforth – West Yorkshire London Erith – Greater London Crowborough – East Sussex Bellshill John Street – North Lanarkshire, Scotland Dumbarton Glasgow Road – West Dunbartonshire, Scotland East Kilbride Lindsayfield – South Lanarkshire, Scotland East Kilbride Stewartfield – South Lanarkshire, Scotland Glasgow Newlands – Glasgow, Scotland Largs Irvine Road – North Ayrshire, Scotland Troon Academy St – South Ayrshire, Scotland Wishaw Kirk Road – North Lanarkshire, Scotland Newcastle upon Tyne Cowgate – Tyne and Wear Northampton Kettering Road – Northamptonshire Bromsgrove Buntsford Industrial Park – Worcestershire Solihull Warwick Road – West Midlands Brecon Free Street – Powys, Wales Caernarfon North Road – Gwynedd, Wales Hadleigh – Suffolk Harrow, Hatch End – Greater London High Wycombe Temple End – Buckinghamshire Leighton Buzzard Lake Street – Bedfordshire London Stratford – Greater London Sidcup Westwood Lane – Greater London Welwyn Garden City Black Fan Road – Hertfordshire Warminster Weymouth Street – Wiltshire Oxted Station Yard – Surrey Reigate Bell Street – Surrey Borehamwood – Hertfordshire Weybridge, Monument Hill – Surrey Bathgate – West Lothian, Scotland Erskine Bridgewater SC – Renfrewshire, Scotland Gorleston Blackwell Road – Norfolk Connah's Quay – Flintshire, Wales Mansfield Woodhouse – Nottinghamshire Elland – West Yorkshire Gloucester – Metz Way – Gloucestershire Watford – Ascot Road – Hertfordshire Littlehampton – Wick – West Sussex Helensburgh – Argyll and Bute, Scotland Aberdeen King Street - Aberdeen Canning Town - London Camden Town - London Eccles Irwell Place - Greater Manchester Stoke Festival Park - Stoke-on-Trent Lincoln Triton Road - Lincolnshire Tynemouth Preston Grange - North Sheilds Nottingham Netherfield - Nottinghamshire Leeds Kirkstall - Leeds, West Yorkshire Milton Keynes Westcroft - Buckinghamshire Little Clacton Centenary Way - Essex Gravesend Coldharbour Rd - Kent Cheltenham Up Hatherley - Gloucestershire Basingstoke Thorneycroft - Hampshire Brentford Waterside - London Edgbaston - Birmingham Verwood - Dorset Kirkby - Liverpool
