Residents of Bath are mobilizing to save the Morrisons Daily store in Bathwick after the supermarket giant announced plans to close 100 stores in the coming months. The local manager, Jolanta Szubert, has launched a petition highlighting the vital role the store plays in the community and warning of the impact its closure would have on jobs and local access to affordable shopping.
The petition emphasizes that the store is more than just a supermarket. It serves as an essential resource for families, elderly residents, and those without convenient transport options. Closing the store would create a significant gap in local services, adversely affecting vulnerable residents who rely on the proximity of the shop for their daily needs.
Ms. Szubert stresses that the shop has seen improved sales compared to the previous year, along with an expanded product range and a cleaner, more welcoming environment. “Our staff have worked hard to make the store a source of pride for the community,” she states. The petition calls on Morrisons to reconsider the closure, consult with local stakeholders, and safeguard jobs and community access where possible.
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Morrisons acquired the Morrisons Daily stores from McColl’s in 2022 for £190 million but acknowledges that some stores have struggled financially. A spokesperson for Morrisons explained that the decision to close certain loss-making stores is part of a broader strategy to optimize its convenience store portfolio. Despite these closures, Morrisons is continuing to expand its franchise network, opening over 120 new franchise stores last year with plans for further growth in 2026.
The supermarket group also faces increased costs due to government policy changes, which have exacerbated the financial difficulties of some stores. The spokesperson confirmed that while redundancies will unfortunately impact some store employees, Morrisons will offer support and explore alternative roles within the company wherever possible.
This wave of closures follows previous cuts, including the shutdown of 52 cafes, 17 convenience stores, and recent job losses at the company’s Bradford headquarters. Morrisons remains committed to bolstering its most successful stores and improving its convenience estate to better serve customers in the long term.