Department store John Lewis, supermarkets Waitrose, Aldi and Sainbury's and DIY store B&Q are among those which have announced that they will close in Wales for the Queen's funeral. The companies have said they are closing their stores to show their respect.
The Queen's funeral will take place on Monday, September 19, and the date has been made a public bank holiday. This means many businesses and shops can choose to close to mourn the loss of the Queen. Some entertainment venues such as cinemas and fast food restaurants will also be closed. You can keep up to date with the latest What's On news by signing up to the newsletter here.
John Lewis and Waitrose confirmed they will be closing on Monday, September 19. Waitrose has said there may be a very limited number of Waitrose stores open, on the route of the funeral procession in London to serve members of the public who will be lining the route for many hours. These shops will, however, close for the funeral itself.
READ MORE: The huge changes Wales has gone through during the Queen’s 70 years on the throne
Speaking about closing the stores Andrew Murphy, Chief Operating Officer, 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.”
Sainsbury's will close for the Queen's funeral on Monday, September 19 as well as Argos stores. Sainsbury's convenience stores and petrol stations will be open from 5pm to 10pm. 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-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.”
Budget supermarket Aldi are closing their stores on Monday, September, 19. The store announced on their social media: "As a mark of respect, all Aldi stores across the UK will close on Monday 19th September to allow our store colleagues to pay tribute to Her Majesty The Queen."
Morrisons and Lidl has announced a total closure of all their stores on Monday, September 19. Their petrol stations will reopen at 5pm. Asda are closing their stores until 5pm on Monday, September 19 to "allow our customers and colleagues to recognise the passing of our late Monarch and commemorate her steadfast service to our nation".
Tesco will close all their large stores on Monday, September 19 and their smaller Express stores will open from 5pm to 10pm. Marks and Spencer will close their stores on Monday, September 19 with some London stores remaining open until 10.30am.
Other supermarkets are yet to confirm if their stores will close or remain open. B&Q and Homebase have announced they will be closing all stores on Monday, September 19. The B&Q click and collect service will also be temporarily suspended that day.
Another home store Wickes has announced it will close on Monday, September 19 and reopen on Tuesday, September 20.
Clothing store Primark confirmed it will shut all its 191 high street stores. The value fashion chain said its stores will reopen for normal hours the following day. But Next has announced it will be open on Monday, September 19 at 9am or 10am and close at 7pm or 8pm.
The Queen's funeral will take place in London at Westminster Abbey and will be televised, allowing those not working to follow and say goodbye to the Queen. The funeral will be a state funeral and the last state funeral for a sovereign was for the Queen’s father, George VI, in 1952. You can read more about the funeral here.
The contents of the Queen's funeral are being kept very secret. Leaders and dignitaries from across the world will attend the funeral, where there are expected to be hymns and readings.
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