THE nation is paying its respects and in mourning following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
The longest-reigning British monarch died yesterday, Buckingham Palace announced.
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A number of sporting events have already been cancelled, with an announcement on football games over the weekend expected later today.
But what does it mean for shops and do they have to close?
Are shops closed today?
Not all shops will be closing today, but some may choose to do out of respect.
Some retailers may choose to operate reduced hours too.
Selfridges has already said its London, Manchester and Birmingham stores will remain closed until tomorrow, September 10.
The stores closed last night.
Aldi stores appear to be open as usual, although the company said on its Facebook page last night it was “heartbroken” to hear about the Queen’s passing.
ASDA hasn’t changed its opening hours but said it was “deeply saddened” following her death.
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Like many other shops, it has turned its social media profile photos black out of respect for the Queen.
Tesco tweeted last night saying: “We are deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty The Queen.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with the Royal Family, as we mourn the loss of our longest-serving British monarch.”
However, the supermarket giant has not said anything about changing its opening hours or closing today.
Poundland, Lidl, Boots, Primark and Iceland have all taken to Twitter to express their sadness and offer condolences to the Royal Family.
But again, they did not announce a change to opening hours or whether they would be closing their doors.
Will shops close on Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral?
Shops are under no obligation to shut under the so-called Operation London Bridge, the plan of action for when the Queen dies.
But, like Selfridges today, some may decide to close out of respect.
Some shops may not close but could offer reduced opening hours.
