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Are any shops open on New Year’s Day?

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Are any shops open on New Year’s Day?

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December 29, 2024February 12, 2023
Are any shops open on New Year’s Day?

Will shops be open on New Year’s Day? (Photo by Wiktor Szymanowicz/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Christmas Day has passed and the world is slowly opening back up again with the January sales not far from UK high streets and supermarkets. 

New Year’s Day is a bank holiday in the UK which means not everything will be open.

But some stores will be opening their doors for the essentials

This is what you can expect for shopping on January 1.

Which shops are open on New Year’s Day?

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - NOVEMBER 27: Stores put up advertisements on the windows for the shopping spree of ''Black Friday'' in London, United Kingdom on November 27, 2023. The preparations on the streets and alleys continue ahead of Christmas and New Year's Eve. (Photo by Rasid Necati Aslim/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Shopping districts often see big crowds on January 1 (Picture: PA)
Shoppers entering Selfridges department store on London's Oxford Street as the doors open during the Boxing Day sales. Picture date: Tuesday December 26, 2023. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire
January sales begin in earnest on New Year’s Day but what else is open? (Picture: PA)

And while some of us might be taking part in a parkrun or getting up to speed on a new year resolution, the first day of the new year is often a quiet one.

However, most shops are likely to be open for January 1, 2024, with retailers keen to cash in and promote items in a sale. 

Supermarkets and high street shops will likely be open as normal, although with possible later start times. It is a good idea to check before you venture out. 

Morrisons and Sainbury’s stores will be open from 9am to 6pm, but Tesco will be closed.

Waitrose has confirmed they will be opening some stores at reduced hours, with shoppers encouraged to check their local shop for confirmation.

Asda will be open from 9am to 6pm while Marks and Spencer’s will be closed.

What hours can shops open on New Year’s Day?

In 2025, shops will still be subject to laws around opening hours on New Year’s Day.

UK law states: ‘Small shops in England and Wales can open any day or hour. There are no trading hours restrictions in Scotland.’

While large shops must remain closed on Christmas Day and Easter Sunday, these limits do not apply on bank holidays with supermarkets such as Aldi set to be trading from 9.30am to 4pm on New Year’s Day. 

Shoppers with umbrellas walk past a window shop displaying a banner reading
Sales can often provide big discounts for shoppers (Picture: AFP)

What shops might be closed on New Year’s Day?

Most post offices and banks will be closed, although cash machines are still likely to be working.

Offices and public services such as libraries may also be closed.

Many shops will also likely be opening for reduced hours. 

It is also a good idea to check before you travel with motorways and train lines liable to having repair works on New Year’s Day.

Bank or public holidays do not have to be given as paid leave for staff but often are. 

All motorway service stations must, however, remain open for fuel, parking and toilets 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

This article was first published on December 28, 2023.

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