Morrisons is the fourth largest brand of supermarket in the UK, behind that of Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury's. Morrison's was founded by William Morrison, and has been around now for quite some time, beginning it's origins as a small store in 1889. The company has now branched out from the North of the Uk and has 455 stores across England.

I often shop at a Morrison's branch in Newcastle Upon Tyne, which is close to where I live.

~Layout ~

The layout of Morrison's stores is very similar to most of the other large leading supermarkets. In my local store there are around 17 cash tills for customers. There are also some self service tills where you can process your own shopping. The tills can get very busy and ques often form, however this is similar to other supermarkets. All of the tills are usually occupied in an attempt to speed up waiting times.

The rest of the store has lots of overhead signage, which tells the customer which aisle holds various products. It is relatively easy to navigate your way around the sections to find what you want.


~Product selection ~

I find that there is a great deal of selection at Morrisons, there are your usual brand named products in addition to many Morrison's own brand and value products. I do find that there is slightly less selection than at my local Tescos store. For instance, Tescos' do their own brand packs of Tuna, which is much cheaper than brand named Tuna. However Morrison's only do small singular tins, otherwise you have to buy very expensive brand packs. Also when I am shopping for gravy granuales, I find that they don't appear to stock many brand names which I like. So it varies. However, the selection at Morrisons is still pretty good overall.


~Fresh produce~

Morrisons offers fresh bakery and deserts, a hot and cold deli counter and fresh meat and fish. I am impressed by the deli which does full quiches that are very tasty, and hot cooked chicken. The bakery products and deserts are also usually delicious.


~Value for money?~

The reason I shop at Morrisons is because I find that I have more products for my money. Believe me, no supermarket is very cheap these days, so I am not going to praise Morrisons too highly. However, I do feel that I get more for my money at Morrisons than at ASDA, Tescos or Coop. I have often wondered why this is, and I think that it is because they have so many special offers on at the store. Some items are reduced in price and you can buy lots of 2 for 1's. Tesco's boast that they have the cheapest products but because they dont do as many discounted special offers, I find I spend a lot more there.

~ Good points~

* You can purchase saver stamps for Christmas *

Being on maternity pay this year, I decided last year to buy £30 of saver stamps from Morrisons each month. I now have about £200 of stamps which I have saved for this christmas. Putting my money into saver stamps means that I didn't spend the money and that it will go directly on groceries. You are given a card and can purchase as many stamps as you like whenever you like all year round. Each stamp is £1. This means that I wont have to worry as much about food and drink expenses in December. Morrisons also give you £6 for every £100 you spend - but the catch is you have to redeem the stamps in November and December to get the £6. However if you miss this date you can still redeem the stamps whenever you like, you just wont get the extra £6.


*Morrisons often have good special offers*

Recently I received a Morrison's card through my door - if I spend £40 per week for 6 weeks up until Christmas and keep my receipts, I can get £25 off a £40 shop. I think that is a good deal. The difficulty is trying not to spend too much each week, as normally I would go once every 2 weeks and I have noticed I am spending more by going each week.

*Morrisons have cheap petrol*

I must state that this applies to where I live. Currently, Morrisons are offering the cheapest petrol around locally, and this has been the case for months. I feel pleased that they are not trying to rip people off like many other petrol stations, and I am surprised that the other brand supermarkets have not lowered their prices too.

*Delicious cafe*

Morrisons have a reasonably priced cafe that serves tasty cold and hot food and drinks. Staff are usually friendly and it makes shopping there more enjoyable when you can stop and get a refreshment.


~Bad points~


* Slightly less selection than Tescos, but overall there is still a wide ranging selection.

* You can not order food delivery online.

* There is no rewards loyalty card.



~My opinion~

I shop reguarly at Morrisons and would definately recommend it as it offers reasonable value for money and is cheaper than Tescos. It would benefit from an online food delivery service and the introduction of a loyalty rewards scheme.


For more information visit www.morrisons.co.uk.