Wm. Morrison Supermarkets Plc. is U.K.’s fourth largest supermarket chain. The company’s headquarters is in West Yorkshire, England.

History

Morrisons was founded in 1899 by founder William Morrison. The business started out originally as a butter and egg stall that was located in Bradford’s Rawson Market. It was originally named Wm. Morrison Limited.

In 1958, Morrisons opened a small store in the city’s centre. That store was Bradford’s first self-service grocery stop. This store had three checkouts and had prices indicated on the products. In 1961, Morrisons opened ‘Victoria’ in Bradford’s Girlington District. This store was Morrisons’ first supermarket. In 1967, Morrisons became listed as a Public Limited Company (Plc) on the London Stock Exchange.

In 1971, Morrisons’ new headquarters in Bradford was completed. The facility also had a factory complex and a warehouse. Five years after, a produce pack house named Cutler Heights, opened in Bradford. In 1978, Morrisons was able to acquire Whelan stores, which allowed the company to extend its operations in Lancashire. Two years later, Morrisons started to enter the fresh food products area through its wholly owned subsidiary Farmers Boy.

In 1988, the company’s first distribution centre was completed and started operations. In 1997, a second distribution center, located in Cheshire, was completed. A year later in 1998, Morrisons opened its first store in Erith, which is located South of England. In 2000, Morrisons opened its first store in Wales.

In 2004, Morrisons was able to acquire grocery chain Safeway, bringing Morrisons’ number of stores to 455 all over the United Kingdom. It was also in this year that Morrisons opened its first store in Scotland, at Kilmarnock. In 2005, Morrisons was able to acquire three of Rathbones’ factories. In the same year, the company acquired the abattoir Kepak Buchan.

In 2006, Morrisons’ new head office in the area of Thornbury, Bradford was completed. In September of that year, Morrisons was recognized as the year’s Seafood Retailer because of its dedication, as well as professional service, to its in-store fishmongers. Morrisons was also consistent with providing excellent quality seafood.

In March of 2008, Morrisons was named the year’s Retailer for consistently showing its strength in operational practice and marketing. Currently, Morrisons’ ranks fourth as the U.K.largest supermarkets.

Headquarters: Bradford,West Yorkshire
Ownership Type: Public
Employees: 132,000 (as of 2011)
Geography: U.K.
Demography: retail products consumers
Morrisons Customer Care: 0845 611 6111

Brands

Morrisons, Burger Guarantee, Greengrocer, Oven Fresh

Important links

Corporate Home Page
Promotions and Coupons
Products
Morrisons Jobs and Careers
Morrisons Store Locator
Contact Information