Morrisons to Convert Hundreds of Corner Shops into Convenience Stores Across Southern England

Morrisons is set to accelerate its push into the convenience sector by converting hundreds of corner shops in southern England and the Midlands into its own branded outlets. The supermarket, headquartered in Bradford, plans to partner with independent shop owners by inviting them to rebrand as Morrisons Daily franchises. This ambitious drive aims to add 250 new sites in 2026, expanding its reach rapidly in regions where it currently lacks significant presence.

Currently, Morrisons operates approximately 1,700 convenience stores, with around 700 run by franchisees and 1,000 being former McColl’s stores acquired in 2022. The group has already opened new stores in locations such as Shoreditch, Southend-on-Sea, and Paignton, showcasing its intent to grow within urban and suburban communities.

The company’s strategy is considered capital-light; by collaborating with existing shop owners, Morrisons can increase its network without the heavy upfront costs that accompany traditional supermarket expansion. This aligns with the wider goals set by Chief Executive Rami Baitieh, who has brought in similar tactics from his experience at Carrefour, to restore Morrisons to “peak form” amid a tough retail environment.

After being overtaken by Aldi in 2022 and now challenged by Lidl, whose market share is approaching Morrisons’, the retailer faces intense competition within the UK’s grocery sector. The latest Worldpanel figures place Morrisons’ market share at 8.3 per cent, a drop from 10 per cent at the time of its buyout by Clayton Dubilier & Rice. While these statistics suggest falling sales, insiders suggest they do not fully capture the growing share of Morrisons’ convenience sales, a figure not wholly tracked by the usual industry metrics.

According to company statements, convenience stores represent a “key part of Morrisons growth strategy”. The supermarket is confident that the franchise-led approach will efficiently broaden its footprint, enabling swift and cost-effective entry into new markets. Morrisons’ renewed focus on smaller-format retail intends to capture a larger share of shoppers looking for convenience and proximity, particularly in areas underserved by traditional supermarkets.

Despite recent financial challenges, with annual revenue dipping by £1 billion to £17 billion, Morrisons remains committed to expansion through convenience partnerships, seeking to re-establish itself as a leading force in the UK grocery market by tapping into local communities and strengthening customer loyalty.