New Year Supermarket Opening Hours in the UK: A Comprehensive Guide
The New Year period is a bustling time for UK supermarkets as consumers prepare for their celebrations. However, similar to Christmas and Boxing Day, many stores operate under reduced hours on New Year’s Day. This comprehensive guide outlines the planned opening hours for major UK supermarkets, enabling shoppers to plan their grocery runs effectively. Remember that these are general guidelines, and local store hours may vary. Always check your local branch’s specific timings for the most accurate information.
Aldi: Known for its budget-friendly prices and consistently voted a top supermarket by consumers, Aldi closes on both Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. In 2025, Aldi stores will close at 6 pm on New Year’s Eve (December 31st) and remain closed on New Year’s Day (January 1st), reopening on January 2nd. This allows staff to spend the holidays with their families. Shoppers are encouraged to stock up in advance for their New Year’s needs.
Marks & Spencer (M&S): A perennial favourite for its high-quality food offerings and extensive product ranges, including its vegan-friendly Plant Kitchen line, M&S also grants staff time off on New Year’s Day. While some M&S stores may remain open until 7 pm on both December 31st and January 1st, it is essential to check the hours of your specific local branch. Reduced operating hours are highly likely on New Year’s Day.
Tesco: The UK’s largest supermarket chain, famous for its meal deals, Tesco operates under reduced hours on New Year’s Day. On December 31st, Tesco Extra and superstores will generally operate from 5 am to 7 pm, while local stores will open from 6 am to 10 pm. On January 1st, superstores will open later, from 8 am to 6 pm, and Express stores will run from 8 am to 10 pm. As always, confirming local store hours is strongly advised.
Sainsbury’s: Another major player in the UK supermarket landscape, Sainsbury’s generally remains open on New Year’s Day, albeit with potentially adjusted hours. On December 31st, most stores will operate from 10 am to 7 pm, with local stores potentially having extended hours from 6 am to 9 pm. On January 1st, many stores are expected to operate from 8 am to 8 pm, with convenience stores potentially remaining open slightly later, from 8 am to 9 pm. As with other supermarkets, local variations may exist.
Morrisons: The fourth largest supermarket chain in the UK, known for its competitive pricing and wide selection, Morrisons typically operates with reduced hours on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. While some stores may open as early as 6 am or 7 am on December 31st, they generally close by 7 pm. On January 1st, many Morrisons stores will likely operate from 9 am to 6 pm. Checking with your local branch is recommended for precise timings.
Asda: Asda stores generally remain open across the country on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. On December 31st, most stores will operate from 7 am to 7 pm. However, they will likely close earlier on New Year’s Day, typically around 6 pm. Using Asda’s online store locator is recommended for confirming your local store’s specific hours.
Co-op: Most Co-op stores typically remain open throughout the New Year period, including bank holidays, with Christmas Day being the primary exception. However, bank holiday hours can be subject to change, with some stores opening later or closing earlier than usual. Therefore, verifying your local store’s hours is strongly advised.
Waitrose: Known for its premium product offerings, Waitrose generally operates with reduced hours on New Year’s Day. While some stores may maintain their regular trading hours, they will often have shorter opening times. Checking with your local Waitrose branch is essential for confirming their precise New Year’s Day operating schedule.
In summary, while most major UK supermarkets plan to remain open during the New Year period, many will operate under reduced hours, particularly on New Year’s Day. This allows staff to spend time with their families and friends. Shoppers are strongly encouraged to check their local store’s specific opening hours to avoid any inconvenience and ensure they can purchase their necessary groceries for their New Year celebrations. Utilizing online store locators or contacting the local branch directly are effective ways to obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information. Planning ahead and checking store hours will contribute to a smoother and less stressful shopping experience during the busy New Year period.
