Supermarkets and shops are set to close or reduce their hours on the day of the Queen's funeral. John Lewis, Waitrose and Primark have already confirmed that they will not open their doors on Monday, September 19.
The date of the Queen's state funeral has been confirmed as a bank holiday, meaning that banks and Post Office will be closed. Now, major retailer have started to announce their plans.
Primark has confirmed that all of its high street stores - 191 in total - will be closed as a mark of respect. Likewise, John Lewis Partnership has said that it will close all Waitrose and John Lewis stores, except around 10 food shops on the funeral route. Waitrose holds a Royal Warrant.
Sainsbury's and Argos stores will be closed on the day of the Queen's funeral, it has been confirmed. The retailer will open smaller stores and petrol stations in the evening.
A Sainsbury’s spokesperson 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, September 19.
"This includes Groceries Online and Argos Fast Track delivery. Our convenience stores and petrol filling stations will be open from 5pm to 10pm to allow our customers to pick up essential items, while select stores in central London will open to serve those attending the funeral in person. We thank our customers for their understanding.”
Argos is owned by Sainsbury's. Earlier, Aldi confirmed its plans for the day.
It said: "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."
It has also been reported by The Sun that major supermarkets including Tesco, Asda and Morrisons are finalising their plans. It is likely that they will reduce their hours, with it being thought that large stores could be shut between 10am and 2pm to allow both staff and customers to watch the funeral.
Smaller convenience stores are set to remain open, especially those on the funeral route to cater for people needing food and drinks on the day. M&S is also finalising plans, but it is thought it will close all of its clothing-only stores for the day, while those that offer clothing and food will have reduced hours.
The Government has advised businesses that they may wish to close, but it is at their own discretion.
Andrew Murphy, chief operating officer, at The John Lewis Partnership, told Retail Gazette: “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.”
