Morrisons is bringing back its Market Street counters to selected UK stores after strong customer demand. The return includes traditional meat and fish counters, along with improvements that make the service more efficient and convenient.
Morrisons Brings Back Market Street Counters
Morrisons has confirmed that Market Street meat and fish counters are returning to selected supermarkets across the UK. The decision follows customer feedback after the retailer previously closed many counters as part of a cost saving program.
The supermarket has stated that Market Street remains an important part of its business. Company representatives said the counters are a key feature that makes Morrisons different from many other supermarkets.
Why Morrisons Closed the Counters
During its earlier business changes, Morrisons closed:
| Closed Service | Number Closed |
|---|---|
| Meat counters | 35 |
| Fish counters | 35 |
| Cafes | 52 |
| Florists | 13 |
| Pharmacies | 4 |
| Market Kitchen branches | 18 |
The company explained that these locations were not financially sustainable at the time. However, many customers wanted the traditional counters to return because they valued fresh products and personal service.
Why Morrisons Changed Its Decision
Morrisons reviewed customer feedback after the closures. The company also improved the way its counters operate, helping reduce food waste and improve efficiency.
These operational improvements made it possible to reopen selected counters while keeping costs under better control.
Stores Where Counters Have Already Returned
Market Street counters have already reopened in several stores, including:
| Store Location | Status |
|---|---|
| Great Park, Newcastle | Reopened |
| Herne Bay | Reopened |
| Thornbury | Reopened |
| Yeadon, Leeds | Reopened |
| Bolton Dawes | Reopened |
Morrisons has also indicated that additional stores will be announced as the rollout continues.
What Customers Can Expect
Customers visiting reopened Market Street counters can expect:
- Fresh meat prepared by skilled butchers
- Fresh fish served at staffed counters
- Personal advice on product selection
- Fresh cuts prepared to customer requests
- A wider choice than standard packaged products
These services are designed to provide a shopping experience that many customers associate with traditional supermarkets.
Digital Improvements Alongside the Return
The reopening is not simply a return to the previous format.
Morrisons is also modernising Market Street with several updates, including:
| Improvement | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Digital ordering screens at pizza counters | Faster ordering |
| More grab and go food options | Greater convenience |
| Improved counter operations | Better efficiency |
| Lower food waste | More sustainable operations |
These changes combine traditional counter service with modern retail technology.
Benefits for Customers
The return of Market Street counters offers several advantages.
Better Fresh Food Choice
Customers have access to freshly prepared meat and fish rather than only prepacked products.
Personal Service
Staff can answer questions, recommend products, and prepare specific cuts when available.
Improved Product Quality
Freshly prepared items are often replenished throughout the day, helping maintain quality.
More Convenient Shopping
Digital ordering systems and additional ready to eat options make shopping quicker while keeping traditional counter services available.
Are All Market Street Counters Returning?
No.
Morrisons has confirmed that Market Street counters are returning only to selected stores. The company has not announced that every previously closed counter will reopen.
The rollout will continue in stages as Morrisons evaluates customer demand and store performance.
Are Other Closed Services Returning?
At present, Morrisons has focused on bringing back Market Street meat and fish counters.
The company has not confirmed plans to reopen all previously closed cafes, florists, pharmacies, or Market Kitchen locations.
What Makes Market Street Different
Market Street is one of Morrisons’ best known in store features. Unlike standard supermarket aisles that mainly offer packaged products, Market Street includes staffed service counters where customers can buy fresh food prepared by trained employees.
This approach allows customers to receive individual service while choosing fresh products that meet their needs.
Quick Facts About the Market Street Return
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Reason for return | Customer feedback |
| Main counters returning | Meat and fish |
| Rollout | Selected UK stores |
| New features | Digital ordering screens and more grab and go options |
| Customer benefits | Fresh food, personal service, improved convenience |
| Future expansion | More stores expected to be announced |
