Seven major supermarket chains across London will operate with considerably adjusted hours on New Year’s Day, with many locations closed entirely. Shoppers should plan carefully, as most large supermarkets will remain shuttered throughout the day, while smaller convenience formats offer limited service windows.
Tesco’s approach varies by store format. While most superstores will not open at all on New Year’s Day, Express convenience stores will operate from either 11am-6pm or 12pm-6pm. Central London locations, such as those on Oxford Street, will welcome shoppers from noon until 6pm. Metro stores will also maintain limited hours where open, typically 12pm-6pm.
Different Tesco formats offer limited New Year’s Day hours, with most superstores closed but Express shops open from mid-day.
Sainsbury’s follows a similar pattern with larger supermarkets closed for the day. The chain’s Local stores will operate between 10am-7pm or 11am-6pm, while central London convenience locations typically open from noon until 6pm. Online delivery services will be suspended or severely limited throughout the day.
Waitrose plans to keep the majority of its stores closed, though select London branches, particularly those owned by John Lewis, will open from 12pm-6pm. Little Waitrose convenience formats may operate on reduced 11am-5pm schedules, but many will remain closed.
Morrisons and Asda will close most supermarkets while keeping smaller formats open. Morrisons Daily stores will operate 10am-4pm or 12pm-6pm, while Asda Express locations will welcome customers 9am-6pm or 10am-5pm, depending on location.
Lidl stands out by closing all UK stores on New Year’s Day without exception, including all London locations. Shoppers must wait until January 2nd for normal service to resume.
M&S offers mixed availability with Foodhalls operating 12pm-6pm or 11am-5pm, while larger stores remain closed. City center London locations may extend hours until 7pm at select sites, and Simply Food convenience formats will maintain variable hours between 10am-6pm.
Customers are advised to check store websites, apps, or store finder tools for location-specific confirmation before venturing out.
