Christmas has passed and the world is slowly opening back up again with the January sales not far from UK high streets and supermarkets. 

New Year’s Day is a bank holiday in the UK which means not everything will be open.

But some stores will be opening their doors for the essentials.

Find out which shops, if any, are open in the UK on New Year’s Day, and if so, the all-important opening times.

Which shops are open on New Year’s Day?

And while some of us might be taking part in a parkrun or getting up to speed on a new year resolution, the first day of the new year is often a quiet one.

However, most shops are likely to be open for January 1, 2025, with retailers keen to cash in and promote items in a sale.

Supermarkets and high street shops will likely be open as normal, although with possible later start times. It is a good idea to check before you venture out. 

Morrisons and Sainbury’s stores will be open from 9am to 6pm, with Tesco open from 8am to 6pm.

Waitrose has confirmed they will be opening some stores at reduced hours, with shoppers encouraged to check their local shop for confirmation.

Asda will be open from 9am to 6pm while Marks and Spencer’s will be closed.

What hours can shops open on New Year’s Day?

Shops are subject to laws around opening hours on New Year’s Day.

UK law states: ‘Small shops in England and Wales can open any day or hour. There are no trading hours restrictions in Scotland.’

While large shops must remain closed on Christmas Day and Easter Sunday, these limits do not apply on bank holidays with supermarkets such as Aldi set to be trading from 9.30am to 4pm on New Year’s Day. 

What shops might be closed on New Year’s Day?

Most post offices and banks will be closed, although cash machines are still likely to be working.

Offices and public services such as libraries may also be closed.

Many shops will also likely be opening for reduced hours. 

It is also a good idea to check before you travel with motorways and train lines liable to having repair works on New Year’s Day.

Bank or public holidays do not have to be given as paid leave for staff but often are. 

All motorway service stations must, however, remain open for fuel, parking and toilets 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

This article was first published on December 28, 2023.

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