UPON the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth ll, shops and supermarkets are deciding whether or not to close on the day of her funeral.
The UK’s longest-reigning monarch is to have her funeral on Monday, 19 September.
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So who will shut and who will remain open?
Banks are shut and schools are still off for summer, but can still grab a Percy Pig or Colin the Caterpillar from M&S stores as all of their stores will remain open.
The national mourning guidance, published on Friday, highlights that firms are not expected to halt operations.
It says: “There is no obligation on organisations to suspend business during the national mourning period.
“Depending on the nature and location of their business and the tone of planned events, 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.”
Is M&S open on the day of the funeral?
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, CEO 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.”
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How can I find the opening hours for my local M&S store?
You can find your nearest store and check its opening hours using the locator on the M&S website or on the M&S App.
Check the opening hours of your nearest store on the M&S website before travelling to ensure it is open.
Are shops open today?
Shops do not have to close today, but some may choose to do so out of respect.
Some retailers may choose to operate reduced hours too.
Selfridges closed its stores in London, Manchester and Birmingham on Friday but reopened them for the weekend.
French Connection, which runs 26 shops across the UK, also closed their stores on Friday following the death of the Queen.
A spokesman said: “Following the sad news of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, we will close the doors of all our French Connection stores on Friday September 9.
“Our thoughts are with the royal family at this time.”
Some French Connection stores may be open again today – it’s best to call up your nearest one first to check.
Historic London department store Liberty was among the first to confirm it would not open on Friday.
The Soho-based retailer said: “Our heartfelt sympathy and thoughts are with the royal family at this sad time.”
Liberty stores reopened again on Saturday.
But most other high street retailers are operating as normal.
What bank holidays are left in 2022?
Here is the full list of upcoming 2022 Bank Holidays in England and Wales.
Dates in Scotland and Northern Ireland vary.
- Monday, December 27 (Christmas Day – substitute)
- Tuesday, December 26 (Boxing Day)
Brits are getting one extra bank holiday on December 27 as Christmas Day falls on the weekend.
M&S closed all of its shops on Boxing Day last year to thank its workers for their “incredible effort” during the Covid crisis.
