Morrisons to shut retailer as grocery store large confirms ‘tough resolution’
Morrisons has announced the closure of its Rainham, Kent store, with the supermarket giant confirming it has made the “difficult decision” to shut the Morrisons Daily branch following a strategic review
Morrisons will be closing a branch in July (stock)(Image: Bloomberg, Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Morrisons has revealed its decision to shut down one of its outlets. Morrisons Daily at Parkwood Green Shopping Centre in Rainham, Kent, will cease trading on July 3.
The supermarket chain said it had reached the “difficult decision” to axe the branch following a strategic assessment. The announcement has triggered dismay amongst locals, with some cautioning the closure will impact elderly customers most severely.
After shutting in July, shoppers will be forced to visit alternative Morrisons Daily branches on Luton Road and Admiral Walk in Chatham. Larger Morrisons supermarkets can also be found in Walderslade and Strood.
A Morrisons representative told the Sun: “As part of our commitment to improving our competitiveness and delivering the best value for our customers, we regularly review all parts of our operation. Following a strategic review, we have made the difficult decision to close our Morrisons Daily store at Parkwood Green.
“Our priority now is to support our valued colleagues who are affected by this decision.
“We will be working hard to ensure that as many of them as possible are offered alternative employment at a nearby Morrisons store.
“We remain committed to serving the local community through our other nearby locations.”, reports the Express.
Shoppers expressed their astonishment and sadness at the move, with numerous people warning it would severely affect the surrounding area.
One shopper remarked: “Parkwood won’t be the same without that place.” Another added: “I can never understand how they justify closing these important hubs for the community, it’s always busy and well used.”
A third local remarked: “It’s the elderly that will suffer the loss the most.”
Residents also voiced worries about the distance to the next nearest shop, with one customer stating: “It’s a long way to the next closest one!”
Last year, Morrisons shuttered 17 of its smaller Morrisons Daily outlets across the UK.
In total, 103 Morrisons branches stopped trading in 2025, including cafés, florists and pharmacies.
The supermarket previously stated the closures were essential because “costs of operations are significantly out of line with usage, volumes, or the value that customers place on them”.
Speaking at the time, chief executive Rami Baitieh said: “A minority have specific local challenges and in those locations, regrettably, closure and re-allocation of the space is the only sensible option.”
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