Morrisons History and Timeline: From a Bradford Market Stall to a National Supermarket

Morrisons is one of the UK’s largest supermarket chains, known for its strong focus on fresh food, British sourcing, and value-led retail.

The history of Morrisons is a story of steady expansion, family leadership, and a distinctive approach to food retail that sets it apart from many competitors. From its beginnings as a small market stall in Yorkshire to its presence across the United Kingdom, Morrisons has played a unique role in British supermarket history.

This article explores how Morrisons began, how it grew, and how it became a major name in UK grocery retail.

1. The Origins of Morrisons (1899)

Morrisons was founded in 1899 by William Morrison in Bradford, West Yorkshire.

The business began as a simple market stall selling butter and eggs to local customers. From the outset, William Morrison focused on offering good-quality produce at fair prices, building trust with customers through consistency and personal service.

This early emphasis on value and freshness would later become central to Morrisons’ identity.

2. Early Growth and Yorkshire Roots (Early 20th Century)

In the early decades of the twentieth century, Morrisons expanded gradually from its market stall origins into wholesale trading and retail.

The company established:

• A stronger presence in Bradford
• A growing wholesale operation supplying local retailers
• A reputation for competitive pricing

Despite expanding operations, Morrisons remained closely tied to its Yorkshire roots, operating as a family-run business for many years.

3. The Move into Supermarkets (1960s–1970s)

Morrisons entered the supermarket era in 1961, opening its first full supermarket in Bradford.

This shift marked a major step in the company’s development. Morrisons adopted:

• Larger store formats
• A stronger focus on fresh food
• In-house preparation of meat, bakery, and produce

The supermarket format allowed Morrisons to serve a broader customer base while maintaining control over food quality.

4. Public Listing and National Expansion (1967–1990s)

In 1967, Morrisons became a public limited company, listing on the London Stock Exchange.

This transition provided capital for national expansion. Over the following decades, Morrisons:

• Expanded beyond Yorkshire into other regions
• Built larger supermarkets
• Invested in supply chains and manufacturing

By the 1990s, Morrisons had established itself as a major regional supermarket with ambitions to compete nationally.

5. The Safeway Acquisition (2004)

A defining moment in Morrisons’ history came in 2004, when it acquired Safeway UK.

This acquisition:

• Greatly increased store numbers
• Expanded Morrisons’ presence across England, Scotland, and Wales
• Transformed the company into a truly national retailer

Although the integration presented challenges, it significantly altered Morrisons’ position within the UK supermarket landscape.

6. Strengthening the Fresh Food Model (2000s–2010s)

Following the Safeway acquisition, Morrisons focused on refining its core strengths.

Key priorities included:

• Fresh food counters for meat, fish, bakery, and deli
• Greater control over manufacturing and sourcing
• Competitive pricing for everyday essentials

Morrisons became known for its “Market Street” concept, bringing traditional fresh food counters into modern supermarkets.

7. Online Shopping and Digital Transition

Compared to some rivals, Morrisons adopted online grocery shopping later, initially partnering with third parties before developing its own digital capabilities.

Over time, the company expanded:

• Home delivery
• Click-and-collect services
• Online access to core grocery ranges

This shift helped Morrisons adapt to changing consumer habits while continuing to prioritise in-store fresh food experiences.

8. Ownership Changes and Strategic Shift (2021)

In 2021, Morrisons underwent a major ownership change when it was acquired by a private investment group.

This marked the end of Morrisons as a publicly listed company and a return to private ownership for the first time in decades.

Following the acquisition, the focus shifted to:

• Long-term investment
• Strengthening core operations
• Improving efficiency and resilience

9. Morrisons Today

Today, Morrisons operates:

• Hundreds of supermarkets across the UK
• Convenience stores under the Morrisons Daily format
• A vertically integrated supply chain

The supermarket remains distinctive for its:

• Strong British sourcing
• In-house food production
• Emphasis on fresh food and value

10. Why Morrisons’ History Matters

Morrisons’ history explains what makes the brand different.

Its commitment to:

• Fresh food
• Vertical integration
• Value for customers

Has shaped its strategy and customer perception for more than a century.

From its Yorkshire beginnings to its national presence, Morrisons continues to reflect its founder’s principles in a modern retail environment.

Final Thoughts

Morrisons’ journey from a single market stall to one of the UK’s major supermarket chains is a story of patience, adaptation, and focus on food quality.

By staying true to its roots while evolving with the times, Morrisons has secured a lasting place in British grocery retail.