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Daily Record
Daily Record
Lifestyle
Levi Winchester & Rachel Williams

What supermarkets and shops are open following Queen's death and national mourning

The country is in a period of national mourning following the death of Queen Elizabeth II who passed away at age 96 yesterday following a 70-year long reign.

Britain's longest running monarch passed away peacefully at Balmoral Castle, with Buckingham Palace officially announcing her passing at 6:30pm last night. The date for The Queen's funeral has yet to be announced, but it has been confirmed that there will be a period of royal mourning from now until seven days until after her majesties funeral.

With many national events being cancelled following the recent news, including major sporting events and strikes, some of us may be wondering what that means for supermarkets and shops.

Here, The Mirror takes a look at what this currently means for a grieving United Kingdom's supermarkets and shops following the death of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Are supermarkets and shops open or closed today?

Supermarkets are currently open as normal (Getty images)

Shops and supermarkets are currently operating at normal opening hours today, September 9, but some could potentially adjust theirs out of respect.

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."

When we checked online, all the major supermarkets M&S, Waitrose, Asda, Tesco, Morrisons, Lidl, Aldi and Sainsbury's - are all operating as normal in Scotland.

Retailers such as B&M, Home Bargains, Poundland and Boot are all still open as normal as well.

Selfridges is the biggest brand 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?

Multiple retailers have paid tribute to The Queen (PA)

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."

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