As the UK prepares to welcome 2025, shoppers are being urged to plan ahead, with a host of major retailers confirming they will close their doors for New Year's Day. The widespread closures on Wednesday, January 1st, will see high streets and retail parks fall quiet as staff enjoy a well-deserved break after the festive rush.
Major Retailers Confirm New Year's Day Shutdown
A significant number of the country's leading supermarket chains and popular high street names have announced they will not trade on the first day of the new year. This means anyone hoping to pop out for last-minute groceries or a post-celebration shopping trip could be left disappointed.
All Aldi stores across the nation will be closed on January 1st. The discounter will join Marks & Spencer in shutting all of its shops for the day. Similarly, Home Bargains has stated that every one of its stores will be shut to give colleagues a "well deserved break."
Exceptions and Special Opening Hours
While the majority of shops are shutting, there are some notable exceptions. Lidl has confirmed that most of its stores will close, but branches located within the M25 orbital motorway will remain open. These specific stores will operate with reduced hours, trading from 10am until 6pm.
John Lewis has also indicated that while most of its department stores will be closed, it is advising customers to check the opening hours of their local shop, as arrangements may vary. This highlights a crucial point for all shoppers: always verify your local store's plans before travelling.
Closures Extend Beyond Supermarkets
The shutdown isn't limited to food retailers. Popular chains across different sectors are also giving staff the day off. Poundland will close all its branches as a "thank you" to employees for their hard work throughout the year.
In the automotive and leisure sector, Halfords has confirmed it will close all of its motoring and cycling shops on New Year's Day. This means drivers and cyclists in need of emergency supplies or repairs will need to wait until Thursday, January 2nd, when normal service is expected to resume almost universally.
The collective day of rest means that for many, New Year's Day will be a true public holiday, with retail workers joining in the celebrations. Shoppers are advised to complete any essential purchases on New Year's Eve or wait until January 2nd, when the vast majority of stores plan to reopen their doors.
