Morrisons Market Street Counters Return: Are Meat and Fish Counters Reopening After Shopper Backlash?
• July 6, 2026
Yes, Morrisons Market Street counters are returning in selected stores after customer criticism over the closure of 70 meat and fish counters in 2025. The return mainly involves staffed meat and fish counters, but Morrisons has not confirmed that every previously closed counter will reopen.
The current update should be read as a partial reversal, not a complete restoration of all Market Street services. There is also no confirmation that the wider closures affecting cafés, florists, pharmacies or Market Kitchen sites are being reversed.
Key Takeaways:
- Morrisons Market Street counters return in selected locations, mainly involving meat and fish counters.
- The decision follows shopper criticism after 35 meat counters and 35 fish counters were closed in 2025.
- The counters are expected to remain staffed, but with updated layouts, flatbeds and more grab-and-go options.
- Early reported reopening locations include Great Park in Newcastle, Herne Bay, Thornbury, Yeadon in Leeds and Bolton Dawes.
- Morrisons has not confirmed that all previously closed Market Street counters will return.
- The reversal does not appear to include all cafés, florists, pharmacies or Market Kitchen closures.
Why Did Morrisons Market Street Counters Close?
Morrisons closed a number of Market Street meat and fish counters in 2025 as part of a wider restructuring programme. The supermarket said at the time that a review had identified areas where operating costs were significantly out of line with usage, volumes or the value customers placed on them.
The closure plan included 35 meat counters and 35 fish counters. It also included 52 cafés, all 18 Market Kitchens, 17 convenience stores, 13 florists and four pharmacies. Around 365 colleagues were reported to be at risk of redundancy, although Morrisons said it expected many affected workers to move into other roles.
The issue for Morrisons was that Market Street was not just another supermarket department. It was part of the chain’s public identity. Many shoppers associated Morrisons with butchers, fishmongers, bakery counters and a more traditional fresh food experience.
That is why the closures triggered such a strong reaction. While supermarkets across the UK have been dealing with higher costs, changing shopping habits and strong competition from discounters, many Morrisons customers still saw staffed counters as one of the main features that made the supermarket different.
What Is Morrisons Market Street?
Morrisons Market Street is the supermarket’s traditional fresh food area, usually linked with counters such as butchers, fishmongers, bakery and prepared food services. It is designed to give stores a more market-style feel than standard supermarket shelving.
The section has long been important to Morrisons’ brand because it supports the retailer’s fresh food image. Morrisons says its Market Street offer is connected to fresh food sourced from British farmers, growers and fishers, which helps explain why many customers saw the counter closures as a significant change rather than a minor store update.
The return of selected meat and fish counters therefore matters because it is not only about product availability. It is also about restoring part of the shopping experience that loyal customers associate with Morrisons.
Morrisons Market Street Counters Return: What Has Changed?
Morrisons Market Street counters return because the supermarket has reconsidered part of its earlier closure decision after customer feedback. The return is not a simple restoration of the old model in every store.
Instead, Morrisons appears to be bringing back selected counters with updated layouts and a more efficient operating model.
Reports say the reopened counters will remain staffed, which is important for shoppers who value face-to-face service from butchers and fishmongers.
However, the counters are also expected to include flatbed displays and more grab-and-go options, reflecting how supermarkets are trying to serve both traditional counter customers and shoppers who want faster convenience.
A Morrisons spokesperson was reported as saying that Market Street counters are “part of our DNA” and “a real differentiator for Morrisons”. That statement is important because it shows the company recognises the counters as part of its brand identity, not just a cost line within the store.
The return also fits a wider retail lesson: supermarkets cannot always remove high-identity services without affecting customer loyalty. For Morrisons, Market Street remains closely linked to fresh food, skilled service and a more traditional market-style shopping experience.
Which Morrisons Stores Are Getting Their Market Street Counters Back?
Morrisons Market Street counters are returning in selected stores, but the company has not confirmed a full national list covering every affected branch. Current reporting says counters have already reopened at Great Park in Newcastle, Herne Bay, Thornbury, Yeadon in Leeds and Bolton Dawes.
Further reported locations linked to the next phase include London Queensbury, Chapel-en-le-Frith, London Enfield, Speke, Bath London Road, Todmorden, St Helens Baxter’s Lane and Porth.
| Status | Reported stores |
|---|---|
| Already reopened | Great Park, Newcastle; Herne Bay; Thornbury; Yeadon, Leeds; Bolton Dawes |
| Reported for next phase | London Queensbury; Chapel-en-le-Frith; London Enfield; Speke; Bath London Road; Todmorden; St Helens Baxter’s Lane; Porth |
| Still unclear | Morrisons has not confirmed that every one of the 70 closed meat and fish counters will return |
Shoppers should treat this as the current reported wave, not a full national reopening programme. Anyone planning a visit should check directly with their local Morrisons branch before travelling specifically for a counter service.
Why Did Morrisons Reverse Its Decision?
The decision to bring back selected Market Street counters follows months of customer feedback, with many shoppers expressing disappointment over the loss of Morrisons’ traditional fresh food offering.
While the retailer originally said the closures were intended to improve efficiency and reflect changing shopping habits, the response suggested many customers still valued the personal service provided by in-store butchers and fishmongers.
Market Street has been one of Morrisons’ defining features for decades. Unlike many competitors that rely heavily on pre-packed products, Morrisons has long promoted freshly prepared meat, fish and bakery products served by specialist staff.
That identity helped distinguish the supermarket from rivals and created a shopping experience many loyal customers appreciated.
Retail analysts have also noted that Britain’s supermarket sector has become increasingly competitive. Premium retailers continue to invest in fresh food quality, while discount chains compete aggressively on price.
By restoring selected Market Street counters, Morrisons appears to be reinforcing one of its strongest brand strengths rather than competing on price alone.
The announcement also demonstrates how customer feedback can influence business decisions.
Although supermarkets regularly adjust store formats to reduce costs, removing services that customers strongly associate with a brand can have unintended consequences. The return of selected counters suggests Morrisons has recognised the importance of preserving elements that shoppers consider unique.
What Is Not Returning at Morrisons?
The current update relates mainly to selected Market Street meat and fish counters. Morrisons has not confirmed that the wider closures affecting cafés, florists, pharmacies, convenience stores or Market Kitchen locations are being reversed.
This distinction is important because the original 2025 restructuring affected several parts of the Morrisons estate. The latest U-turn appears focused on fresh food counters, rather than a complete reversal of every closure announced last year.
For shoppers, this means local store services may still vary. A branch may regain a meat or fish counter without necessarily seeing the return of a café, florist, pharmacy or Market Kitchen service.
What This Means for Morrisons Shoppers?
For customers, the return of Market Street counters means greater access to freshly prepared meat and fish, along with the opportunity to speak directly with trained staff for advice on cuts, preparation and cooking.
Many shoppers prefer staffed counters because they offer greater flexibility than pre-packed products. Customers can often request specific quantities, ask for particular cuts or receive recommendations based on how they intend to cook the food. These services are difficult to replicate through standard supermarket shelving.
However, shoppers should also understand that the rollout is currently limited. Morrisons has not announced a nationwide reopening programme covering every affected branch. Instead, the company is introducing the counters in selected locations while assessing customer demand.
Anyone hoping to see the service return at their local store should monitor updates from Morrisons or contact their nearest branch before making a special journey.
Timeline: Morrisons Market Street Counter Closures and Return
| Date | Development |
|---|---|
| March 2025 | Morrisons announced plans to close 35 meat counters and 35 fish counters as part of a wider restructuring programme. |
| March 2025 | The same programme also included closures affecting cafés, Market Kitchen sites, convenience stores, florists and pharmacies. |
| 2025 | Customers criticised the loss of traditional fresh food counters, with many arguing that Market Street was central to the Morrisons shopping experience. |
| July 2026 | UK retail reports said Morrisons was bringing back selected Market Street meat and fish counters after customer feedback. |
| July 2026 onward | Selected stores were reported to be included in the first wave, but Morrisons had not confirmed a full national reopening of all 70 closed counters. |
The timeline shows that this is a partial reversal of the counter closures, not a confirmed return of every service removed under the 2025 restructuring programme.
Misinformation to Avoid
Several claims have circulated around the Morrisons Market Street counters return, but shoppers should be careful not to treat every claim as confirmed.
| Claim | Accurate position |
|---|---|
| Every Market Street counter is reopening | Incorrect. Morrisons has only been reported to be bringing back selected meat and fish counters. |
| All Morrisons cafés are reopening | Not confirmed. The current update does not appear to reverse the café closure programme. |
| Market Kitchen is returning everywhere | Not confirmed. The return relates mainly to selected meat and fish counters. |
| Every Morrisons store will receive the same service | Unclear. Store layouts, staffing and local demand may affect what each branch offers. |
| The old counter model is returning exactly as before | Unlikely. Reports suggest staffed counters may return with updated layouts, flatbeds and more grab-and-go options. |
The safest reading is that Morrisons is restoring selected fresh food counters while still adapting the service to modern store operations.
What Should Shoppers Do Next?
If shoppers are interested in using the returning Market Street counters, the best approach is to:
- Check with their local Morrisons store before visiting.
- Follow official Morrisons announcements for future rollout updates.
- Continue providing customer feedback, as the latest decision demonstrates that shopper opinions can influence retail strategy.
- Look out for further changes as Morrisons continues its wider programme of store improvements.
While not every branch is expected to receive the same services immediately, the return of selected Market Street counters represents a positive development for customers who value fresh food and specialist in-store expertise.
Conclusion
The announcement that Morrisons Market Street counters return marks a significant change in the supermarket’s fresh food strategy. After closing dozens of meat and fish counters in 2025, Morrisons has responded to customer feedback by restoring selected services in some stores.
However, the move should not be seen as a complete reversal of every closure. Cafés, florists, pharmacies and Market Kitchen sites have not been confirmed as part of the return. For now, Morrisons Market Street counters return in selected locations, showing how shopper feedback can influence one of the UK’s best-known supermarket brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Morrisons Market Street counters returning?
Morrisons has said it is bringing back selected meat and fish counters after listening to customer feedback following the closures announced in 2025.
Are all Morrisons Market Street counters reopening?
No. Morrisons has only confirmed the return of selected counters and has not announced a full nationwide reopening.
Which counters are returning?
The current announcement relates primarily to meat and fish counters within the Market Street area.
Which stores have been confirmed?
Early reported locations include Great Park (Newcastle), Herne Bay, Thornbury, Yeadon and Bolton Dawes, with further updates expected.
Why were the counters closed originally?
The closures formed part of a wider cost-saving and operational efficiency programme announced in 2025.
Are cafés and Market Kitchen locations also reopening?
There has been no official confirmation that these wider closures are being reversed.
How can customers check whether their local store is included?
Customers should contact their local Morrisons store or follow official company announcements for the latest information.
Will more Market Street counters return in future?
Morrisons has not confirmed the full scale of the rollout, so additional announcements may follow.
Editorial Note
This article was independently researched and prepared by the editorial team at London Business Insider using publicly available information and official statements available at the time of publication.
As Morrisons may announce further store updates, some information could change after publication. Readers are encouraged to check directly with their local Morrisons store for the latest details.
How We Edited This Article?
This article was reviewed for accuracy, clarity, British English, search intent and reader usefulness. The editorial process checked Morrisons’ official 2025 restructuring statement, current UK retail reporting on the return of selected Market Street counters, and reported store-level updates.
We separated confirmed information from unconfirmed details, avoided unsupported claims, and made clear that the return applies to selected meat and fish counters rather than every service affected by the 2025 closure programme.
The article was also structured with a quick answer, key takeaways, timeline, misinformation checks and FAQs to support Google search, AI Overviews and reader trust.
Source Links
https://www.morrisons.com/inspiration/shopping-at-morrisons/market-street-hub
https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2026/07/morrisons-fish-meat-counters/
https://www.grocerygazette.co.uk/2026/07/03/morrisons-reverses-fish-and-meat-counter-closures/
https://www.thesun.co.uk/money/39632724/morrisons-market-street-counters-return-stores/
