Shoppers across the United Kingdom will need to plan ahead for New Year's Day 2026, as major supermarkets implement a range of reduced opening hours for the bank holiday. While some stores will remain closed, others will operate on special schedules, requiring customers to check times for their local branch before making a trip.
Major Supermarket Opening Hours for New Year's Day
The largest chains have confirmed their plans for Thursday, 1 January 2026. Tesco will open most of its large stores from 9am until 6pm, while its smaller Express outlets will have longer hours, trading from 8am until 10pm. Similarly, Sainsbury's will run its main supermarkets from 8am to 8pm, with convenience stores open from 9am to 9pm.
Asda and Morrisons will both operate on a 9am to 6pm schedule for the day. The Co-op has set its hours from 10am to 7pm for larger stores, with many local convenience branches open from 9am to 8pm.
Stores Closed on New Year's Day
Shoppers should note that several prominent retailers will not open their doors at all on the bank holiday. The discount giants Aldi and Lidl have confirmed they will be closed for the day. Waitrose and Marks and Spencer will also shut all of their supermarkets on 1 January, giving staff the day off.
These varied schedules highlight the importance of checking directly with your local store, as hours can sometimes differ between locations, especially for smaller convenience formats. Planning your essential shop in advance is advised to avoid disappointment.
