MAKE sure you know whether your local Waitrose is set open on the day of The Queen’s funeral.
Many are expecting revised supermarket opening times to acknowledge the long, dedicated reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth ll.
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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 Waitrose open on Monday, 19 September?
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.
How can I find the opening hours for my local Waitrose store?
Waitrose shops have standard opening hours across the country, but they can sometimes vary depending on where you live.
Information on opening hours can be found by entering your postcode on its website here.
Are shops closed 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.
