BANK holiday shoppers may be wondering what time supermarkets are open on the day of Queen Elizabeth ll’s funeral.
Buckingham Palace confirmed that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II had passed away on September 8, 2022.
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As the nation enters a period of deep mourning, the day has been declared a Bank Holiday.
Shoppers may be unsure which supermarkets are open on September 19, the day of the funeral.
The government advised: “Some businesses may wish to consider closing or postponing events, especially on the day of the State Funeral, however, this is at the discretion of individual businesses.”
This means it’s up to shops if they are open or not on the Bank Holiday Monday.
Meanwhile some retailers may choose to open but with reduced hours.
Here’s what each supermarket has said it will do over the unexpected day off.
Tesco
Tesco is closing all of its large stores on Monday in order for its staff to pay their respects.
The supermarket giant said its express stores will be open from 5pm except for a small number of Express stores in Central London and Windsor that will be open throughout the day.
A spokesman said: “We want to express our deepest condolences to the Royal Family, as well as our gratitude to Her Majesty The Queen for her unwavering service.”
Aldi
Aldi will shut all its UK stores to customers on the day of Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.
The budget supermarket posted on its Twitter page to let customers know that stores would be shut.
The post read: “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II – As a mark of respect, all Aldi stores across the UK will close on Monday, September 19 to allow our store colleagues to pay tribute to Her Majesty The Queen.”
Lidl
Lidl has confirmed that, as a mark of respect, it will close all its stores across England, Scotland and Wales on the day of the funeral.
A spokesman said: “We are grateful to all Lidl customers for their understanding and will be keeping all who mourn Her Royal Highness in our thoughts during this time.”
Sainsbury’s
Sainsbury’s will shut all its UK stores to customers on the day of Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.
The supermarket giant confirmed in a statement it will close its doors on Monday, September 19.
It also applies to Argos stores, and concessions located in Sainsbury’s as they are part of the same company.
A spokesman said: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
“In honour of Her Majesty and so our colleagues can pay their respects, all Sainsbury’s supermarkets and Argos stores will be closed on Monday, 19th September. “
This will also include groceries online and Argos fast track delivery.
Sainsbury’s said its convenience stores and petrol filling stations will be open from 5pm-10pm to allow customers to pick up essential items.
Select small stores in central London will also be open to serve those attending the funeral in person.
Marks and Spencer
Marks & Spencer is to close all of its store and pause its delivery services.
A small number of stores open in the London area will remain open so mourners in the capital can grab a drink or a bite to eat.
Stuart Machin, boss of M&S said: “All of us at M&S – and indeed across the country and beyond – feel a real and deep sense of loss and sadness at the passing of Her Majesty, as well as huge respect for the grace with which His Majesty King Charles III and the wider Royal Family have led the nation in our mourning.”
John Lewis and Waitrose
The John Lewis Partnership said it will shut John Lewis department stores and Waitrose supermarkets all day for the funeral.
Andrew Murphy, chief operating officer of The John Lewis Partnership, said: “We are deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty The Queen.
“We will be closing our stores on the day of her funeral as a mark of respect, and because we believe this is the right thing to do for our partners and customers.”
It added there may be “a very limited number of Waitrose stores” near to the route of the funeral procession which remain open to serve members of the public nearby.
It stressed these shops would close during the funeral itself.
Morrisons
Morrisons has also confirmed that it will close its stores on Monday.
Its large supermarkets will shut all day so staff can pay respects to Her Majesty.
Petrol stations at Morrisons will reopen from 5pm on Monday for drivers to fill up.
Asda
Asda announced that it would also close its doors for the funera for most of the dayl.
An Asda spokesperson: “As a mark of respect for Her Majesty The Queen, all Asda stores will be closed on Monday September 19 until 5pm to allow our customers and colleagues to recognise the passing of our late Monarch and commemorate her steadfast service to our nation.
The shop will also not be offering online deliveries on Monday September 19.
That means stores will close by midnight on Sunday, September 18 and reopen at 5pm on Monday, September 19.
The company added: “Those colleagues contracted to work while the stores are closed will receive their normal pay.
“Any colleagues who work when the stores reopen will be paid double time for the rest of the day.”
