Anyone hoping to use the Queen’s funeral as an excuse to indulge in some retail therapy could be left disappointed after most major UK retailers have said they will not open on September 19 as a sign of respect and to allow staff to mourn.
The full list of those who will remain closed includes John Lewis, Waitrose, Aldi, Primark, Lidl, B&Q, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Homebase, Harrods, Poundland and WH Smith; Asda and Morrisons have yet to unveil their plans but it is understood they will follow suit and shut stores.
Both Tesco and Sainsbury’s convenience and petrol forecourt stores will open from 5pm on the day. Tesco has also cancelled online orders on the day of the funeral.
Tesco UK chief executive Jason Tarry 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.
“On Monday September 19, in order for our colleagues to pay their respects, our large stores will be closed all day and our Express stores will remain closed until 5pm.”
John Lewis Partnership chief operating officer Andrew Murphy confirmed all department stores and Waitrose supermarkets will be shut, “as a mark of respect”, although some on the funeral route may remain open.
Meanwhile, Sainsbury’s will be closing its supermarkets and Argos stores to honour the Queen and to allow its staff to “pay their respects”. This even includes online groceries and Argos fast track deliveries.
Primark will also be closing its stores, depots and head office to enable staff “the opportunity to pay their respects and watch the funeral of HM Queen Elizabeth II”.
Aldi and Lidl will also be shut to allow colleagues to pay their respects.
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