The nation is in mourning after Queen Elizabeth II died at the age of 96 following an incredible 70-year reign.
Buckingham Palace confirmed the news yesterday at 6.30pm, saying: “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.”
A period of royal mourning will be observed from now until seven days after Her Majesty’s funeral, it was announced today.
The date of the funeral will be confirmed shortly.
We explain what this means for shops and supermarkets and if they will stay open.
Keep in mind more details are expected to be announced by the Royal Family in the coming days, so this information might be subject to change.
Will shops and supermarkets stay open?
Shops and supermarkets are pretty much all open as normal today (September 9). It is down to each individual business to decide whether they want to adjust their opening hours.
Official guidance from the Government states: "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."
All the major supermarkets - so Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Lidl, Aldi, Sainsbury's, Marks and Spencer and Waitrose - don't appear to have adjusted their opening times online for today.
Shops like Poundland, Primark and Boots all appear to be open as normal as well.
Selfridges is the only big brand so far to stay closed today, as a mark of respect for the Queen.
The day of the Queen's funeral is likely to be declared a bank holiday - although Buckingham Palace and the Government have yet to officially confirm this.
It is thought the funeral could be held on Monday, September 19.
If the day is declared a bank holiday, then this could impact business hours. It might be that certain businesses decide to close entirely for the day, or work under reduced hours.
Shops are under no obligation to shut under the so-called Operation London Bridge, which is the plan of action the country is now following after the Queen passed away.
More details are expected in the coming days.
What have retailers said about the Queen's death?
Supermarkets have been posting tributes to Her Majesty online and have changed the colour of their social media logos to black as a mark of respect.
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."
Aldi posted a message that read: "We are heartbroken to hear the news that Her Majesty The Queen has passed away.
"As our longest reigning monarch she led with grace and selfless devotion.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with The Royal Family at this difficult time."
M&S tweeted: "We’re deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen.
"She’s led for over 70 years with quiet determination and selfless devotion.
"We join the Royal Family and the nation in their grief and offer the Royal Family our heartfelt condolences."
