Morrisons Shuts 16 Stores and 52 Cafes, Impacting 365 Jobs; Trader Joe's Expands to Huebner Oaks, Westminster, and Bellingham

Morrisons, a major UK supermarket chain, is set to close 16 of its Morrisons Daily convenience stores today, impacting 365 jobs. The closures are part of a broader restructuring effort that also includes the shutdown of 52 in-store cafes, several hot food counters, meat counters, florists, and pharmacies. CEO Rami Baitiéh has cited increased costs due to government hikes in employer's National Insurance and the minimum wage as reasons for these closures. In contrast, Trader Joe's, a popular US grocery chain known for its unique products, is expanding its footprint. The company plans to open new stores in various locations, including a third store in San Antonio, Texas, set for 2026 at Huebner Oaks, and new locations in Westminster, Colorado, at 9350 Sheridan Boulevard, and Bellingham, Washington, on Meridian Street, among others.