Which shops are closing for the Queen’s funeral?

Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest reigning monarch, died on Thursday, September 8, at her Scottish estate in Balmoral.

It was announced on Saturday that Her Majesty’s funeral will take place at 11am on Monday, September 19.

It has also been officially declared a Bank Holiday for the UK, meaning many people could be given the day off work.

However, new guidance released by authorities has stated each employer needs to make their own decision on whether or not they will give staff the day off.

The guidance also says staff should speak with their employers to find out if they will get a day’s holiday in lieu if they do work the funeral date.

Some businesses have already decided to close, including supermarkets and high street favourite stores, with many more expected to follow suit.

However, Brits will likely be able to gather in pubs to watch the funeral on TV.

Wondering where might be closed? Here’s what you need to know:

Primark

High street giant Primark will close all of its stores, depots, and head office in the UK ‘to give our colleagues the opportunity to pay their respects and watch the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.’

A spokesperson has confirmed that the company will reopen as normal the following day.

Harrods

Harrods had said last Friday that it would close for the late monarch’s funeral.

In a tweet, the department store said: ‘We will continue to commemorate the life of HM the Queen and pay our respects by closing the store on the day of the state funeral.’

John Lewis

All John Lewis department stores will be shut on the day of the funeral.

Andrew Murphy, chief operating officer at the John Lewis Partnership, said: “We will be closing our stores on the day of her funeral as a mark of respect, and because we believe this is the right thing to do for our Partners and customers.”

Waitrose

Owned by the John Lewis Partnership, Waitrose will also be closing its doors alongside John Lewis stores.

However, a small number of Waitrose stores along the route of the funeral procession may remain open.

Sainsbury’s

Sainsbury’s has confirmed that all supermarkets and Argos stores will be closed on Monday, September 19, including Groceries Online and Argos Fast Track delivery.

‘Our convenience stores and petrol filling stations will be open from 5pm – 10pm to allow our customers to pick up essential items, while select stores in central London will open to serve those attending the funeral in person. We thank our customers for their understanding,’ a statement continued.

Aldi

Budget supermarket Aldi has confirmed it will shut its doors to mark the historic event.

Taking to Twitter to announce the news, Aldi said: ‘Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II – As a mark of respect, all Aldi stores across the UK will close on Monday, September 19 to allow our store colleagues to pay tribute to Her Majesty The Queen.’

Homebase

A spokesperson from Homebase said: ‘We join the country in mourning the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II and will be closing our stores on the day of her funeral, Monday 19 September.’

It added that the decision had been made ‘so our team members can choose to mark her incredible life of service.’

B&Q

B&Q said it would close all its UK stores ‘as a mark of respect’ on the day of the Queen’s funeral, saying the decision would also offer its staff ‘the opportunity to pay their respects.’

Click and collect and home delivery services will also be temporarily suspended on the day.

Blue Diamond Garden Centres

One of the UK’s largest garden centre chains, Blue Diamond, will close all of its stores on September 19 to mark The Queen’s funeral.

‘Following the recent announcement of the state funeral for HM Queen Elizabeth II on Monday 19 September, as a mark of respect, we have taken the decision to close all of our garden centres and restaurants on this day,’ Blue Diamond Garden Centres tweeted.

Poundland

A spokesperson for Poundland revealed that stores will close on September 19, and any colleagues scheduled to work the date will be paid in full.

The statement continued: ‘We know how important it is that colleagues have the opportunity to join with their families and pay their respects on the day the funeral takes place.’

WHSmith

WHSmith has confirmed that all of its high street stores will be closed for the entirety of September 19.

However, WH travel stores will be closed for at least the duration of the funeral, and could potentially reopen sooner than their high street counterparts.

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