Tesco has announced it will shut some stores early if England makes it to the World Cup final, giving thousands of staff the chance to watch the match. The supermarket said its Express stores across England would close at 7:30pm on the day of the final, ahead of the 8pm kick-off. These stores would normally remain open until 10pm or 11pm.
Staff Paid in Full Despite Early Closure
The move means staff will still be paid for their full shifts while being able to head home or out to watch the game. Tesco confirmed its larger stores would already be closed by kick-off due to Sunday trading hours, and all outlets would reopen as normal the following morning. Express shops will remain open as usual during the day, allowing customers to stock up on food and drinks before the match.
Whoosh Service and Online Deliveries Unaffected
Tesco’s rapid delivery service, Whoosh, will also continue operating until 11pm for last-minute orders. Online grocery deliveries scheduled for Sunday evening will go ahead as planned. The early closure will only apply in England. Stores in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will continue to operate as normal, reports Grace Piercy from the Express.
Tesco Managing Director Comments
Kevin Tindall, managing director of Tesco UK operations, said: "We appreciate just how much this would mean to so many of our colleagues. So if England makes it through to the final, we will close our Express stores across England in time for all colleagues to be able to celebrate with their family and friends."
Impact of Tournament and Warm Weather on Spending
The decision comes amid a surge in supermarket spending linked to the tournament and recent warm weather. Industry figures from the British Retail Consortium show shoppers are making more frequent trips for match-night essentials such as drinks, pizzas and snacks, rather than relying on larger weekly shops. Tesco said if England does not reach the final, all stores will operate normal opening hours.
