Will shops close on the day of Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral?
THE nation mourns at the loss of Her Majesty.
Buckingham Palace confirmed that Her Majesty Elizabeth II had passed away on September 8, 2022.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, having been on the throne for 70 years.
Heartfelt tributes have poured in from around the world as Brits mourn the huge loss.
However, preparations are now underway for the Queen’s state funeral, which will take place at Westminster Abbey on Monday, September 19.
The day of the funeral has been officially declared a bank holiday.
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Will shops shut on the day of the Queen’s funeral?
Shops will not be obliged to close on the day of the Queen’s funeral, however, some may choose to do so as a mark of respect.
Retailers may choose to operate reduced opening hours with the day being declared a Bank Holiday.
The government advised: “Some businesses may wish to consider closing or postponing events, especially on the day of the State Funeral, however, this is at the discretion of individual businesses.”
Leading retailers and supermarkets have said they will close on the Bank Holiday and some are planning reduced hours.
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Sources told The Sun that Tesco, Asda, Waitrose and Morrisons are planning to close big stores for around four hours as a mark of respect.
It’s thought large supermarkets will shut between 10am and 2pm to allow staff to watch the Queen’s funeral.
John Lewis is keeping 10 food shops along the funeral route open, but it is shutting all of its 34 department stores.
While Marks and Spencer’s is still finalising plans but it is thought clothing stores will close, with mixed food and clothing branches opening with reduced hours.
Primark has confirmed it will close all 191 of its stores on Monday, September 19.
Aldi has said it will close all its stores on the day, as will Poundland and B&Q.
Sainsbury’s and Argos will also close their doors, with smaller convenience stores at the supermarket and petrol station locations opening for business between 5pm and 10pm.
The service will be led by the Archbishop of Canterbury and will be attended by the Royal Family, politicians and heads of state from across the globe.
The London Stock Exchange will close for England and Wales on the bank holiday.
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As with shops, it is down to pubs and restaurants as to whether they close during the nation’s period of mourning.
However, it is expected that many will remain open so Brits can gather to remember the monarch.