Which Shops Are Open in London on New Year’s Day 2026?
As New Year’s Eve celebrations fade into memory and London slowly wakes up to January 1, many people find themselves asking the same practical question: which shops are actually open on New Year’s Day? Whether it’s about grabbing groceries for a fresh start, picking up forgotten party essentials, or hunting down a much-needed hangover cure, knowing what’s open can save a lot of frustration.
Across London, most major supermarkets are expected to operate on reduced hours rather than closing completely, although the exact times can vary by location. Tesco, for example, is set to welcome shoppers in many of its larger stores from around 9am until 6pm. Tesco Express outlets, which are often relied on for last-minute essentials, are expected to stay open longer, typically from early morning through late evening. Sainsbury’s follows a similar pattern, with bigger stores opening earlier and closing later than usual, while smaller local branches are expected to remain open into the evening.
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ASDA stores across the city are also planned to open their doors on New Year’s Day, generally from mid-morning to early evening. Morrisons shoppers can expect similar hours, making it another reliable option for a full grocery run. Co-op stores are especially useful on bank holidays, and many of their locations are set to open, with convenience branches often running longer hours than their larger counterparts.
For Lidl and Waitrose customers, things are slightly more location-specific. Lidl stores inside the M25 are expected to open for part of the day, while those outside London are largely set to remain closed. Waitrose opening times vary, but many London branches are expected to trade from late morning until early evening, making them a good option if you’re starting the day slowly.
On the other hand, some familiar names are not planning to open at all. Aldi stores across the UK are set to remain closed on New Year’s Day, and Marks & Spencer has announced widespread closures, with only a few exceptions. Beyond supermarkets, several major high street retailers are also expected to keep their shutters down. Shops such as John Lewis, Home Bargains, Matalan, and Halfords have confirmed closures, while selected Poundland stores may also be closed.
Overall, shopping on New Year’s Day in London is possible, but it does require a bit of planning. Reduced hours are the norm, and local variations are common, so checking your nearest store before heading out is always advised. Still, with plenty of supermarkets open across the city, Londoners won’t be left completely stranded as 2026 begins.
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