As New Year’s Day arrives, many shoppers in the UK will be heading out to grab essentials or enjoy post-holiday sales. However, most retailers operate reduced or altered hours on the holiday, so it’s important to plan ahead.
Major stores such as Primark, Next, John Lewis, and Sainsbury’s may open later or close earlier than usual. Some branches may even remain closed. Checking your local store’s opening times in advance can help avoid disappointment and ensure a smooth shopping trip. Below we have listed opening hours for your favourite high-street retailers, including all supermarkets.
New Year’s Day opening times for high street shops
Anyone planning to shop at Next on New Year’s Day should be aware that all stores will remain closed, meaning customers will need to wait until normal trading resumes after the holiday.
Primark
Opening times at Primark on New Year’s Day vary by location, so shoppers are advised to check their local store details in advance.
Boots
On New Year’s Day in London, most Boots stores operate with reduced opening hours, typically opening later in the morning at around 9 am and 10 am and closing earlier than normal, between 6 pm and 10 pm. The exact times can vary widely depending on the location. For example, some stores across the UK, such as those in Liverpool and Scotland, will remain shut.
John Lewis
All John Lewis stores, including those located in major shopping centres across the UK, will remain closed on New Year’s Day, with no in-store shopping available.
Home Bargains
Similarly, Home Bargains stores will not open on New Year’s Day, so customers should plan ahead for any essentials they may need.
B&M
In contrast, most B&M stores are expected to welcome customers on New Year’s Day, operating from around 8am until 6pm. As opening times can vary between locations, shoppers are advised to check their local store before visiting.
Supermarket New Year’s Day opening times
Sainsbury’s
On New Year’s Day, Sainsbury’s larger stores are expected to be open from around 8am to 8pm, while convenience branches will usually operate reduced hours, opening later and closing earlier than normal (9am to 9pm).
Tesco
Tesco supermarkets will typically trade from around 9am to 6pm, while Tesco Express stores are often open for longer, making them a convenient option later in the day.
Asda
Most Asda stores are expected to open from 9am to 6pm on New Year’s Day, but customers are advised to check local opening times.
Morrisons
Morrisons stores are also set to be open, with most branches operating between 9am and 6pm.
Waitrose
Waitrose stores are generally open on New Year’s Day, although opening times can vary.
Most branches appear to be open from 10am to 6pm, but your store’s specific hours can be checked via the tracker. Many branches will also be available for home delivery through services such as Uber Eats, Just Eat, and Deliveroo.
Marks & Spencer
All Marks & Spencer stores are expected to remain closed on New Year’s Day. According to the Metro, Jayne Wall, operations director for M&S, has said: “Christmas at M&S is very special and the company is grateful for its employees’ work in the festive season.”
Lidl
Lidl branches outside of London will also be closed on New Year’s Day. However, within London, they will be open between 10am and 6pm.
Aldi
Aldi said it will not open any branches on New Year’s Day, having also been closed the whole of Christmas and Boxing Day.
Rebecca Heley, a communications director at the German-owned retailer, said before the festive season: “Christmas is a special time, and we want to ensure all of our colleagues have the opportunity to relax and enjoy it with their loved ones.”
