Morrisons issues major counter update to UK customers after store closures news - full list
Morrisons has confirmed a major change to its hundreds of supermarkets in a win for regular shoppers after announcing plans to axe dozens of stores.
The retailer has reversed its decision to axe Market Street meat and fish counters at dozens of stores, bowing to pressure from disgruntled customers.
Britain's sixth-largest supermarket chain shuttered 70 counters, split evenly between meat and fish produce, during last year's cost-cutting drive,.
This also saw 52 cafes, 13 florists, four pharmacies and all 18 Market Kitchen branches close their doors.
The grocer has now begun reinstating the popular counters at selected locations. The revamped counters will retain their traditional staffed service whilst incorporating several modern additions.
Stores in Newcastle's Great Park, Herne Bay, Thornbury and Yeadon in Leeds have already seen their counters return, with additional sites set to follow in the coming months.
Flatbed displays and expanded grab-and-go selections will feature alongside the familiar counter experience, while pizza counters will gain digital ordering screens.
Morrisons indicated that operational improvements have made the counters more viable than before. The supermarket has achieved considerably better waste yields from its counter operations over the past 12 months, rendering them more cost-effective to maintain.
The chain had previously justified the closures by citing poor profitability at the affected locations, though customer reaction prompted a rethink of the strategy.
A spokesperson for the supermarket said: "Our Market Street counters are part of our DNA. They are at the heart of our offer and a real differentiator for Morrisons."
The representative acknowledged that the chain had "closed a small number of meat and fish counters last year - and have learned a lot from that".
Recently, Morrisons has announced plans to shut down 100 of its stores in the coming months, with the first wave of locations closing having now been confirmed.