Which Shops Are Open on New Year’s Day? UK Opening Times Explained (2026)

Wondering which shops are open on New Year’s Day 2026 in the UK? You’re not alone. As the celebrations wind down and fridges start looking bare, the need to grab groceries or essentials can quickly creep up.

But with New Year’s Day being a bank holiday, many major retailers either close entirely or run on reduced hours, and navigating these changing timetables can be confusing.

This detailed guide breaks down everything UK shoppers need to know about which shops are open on 1 January 2026, what times they’ll be trading, where to look for local information, and how to plan ahead.

Whether you’re in a major city like London or a rural village, here’s how to ensure you don’t end up with empty cupboards and no options.

Why Do Some Shops Close on New Year’s Day in the UK?

New Year’s Day is one of the few public holidays in the UK where retail slows significantly, and for good reason. Unlike the rush of Christmas shopping, 1 January is traditionally a day of rest, both for customers and staff. Many retailers, particularly supermarkets with large teams and long trading hours, use the holiday to give employees a well-deserved break.

Several major chains, including Aldi, Lidl, and M&S, have built their reputations on prioritising staff welfare. As part of this, they close entirely on New Year’s Day to allow team members to spend time with their families or simply recuperate after the busy festive season.

It also makes operational sense, footfall is typically lower on 1 January compared to other holidays, making the cost of full operation less justifiable.

For smaller retailers and convenience stores, especially those in residential or urban centres, the story is different. These stores often remain open to serve local communities and tourists, albeit with reduced staffing and limited hours.

The contrast between large-format supermarkets and local corner shops reflects both customer behaviour and company policy.

Are Any Shops Open on Bank Holidays Like New Year’s Day?

Yes, but it depends on the type of store and its location. In the UK, New Year’s Day is a recognised bank holiday, and this can impact retail operating hours under trading legislation.

While laws around Sunday trading hours apply only to large stores (over 3,000 sq ft), many retailers voluntarily reduce their hours or close entirely on bank holidays like New Year’s Day.

That said, a growing number of supermarkets and retailers have adapted to meet customer expectations for convenience. This means some large stores now open with reduced hours, while many smaller stores, especially those classified as convenience shops, trade near-normal hours.

These include:

• Co-op Food stores
• Tesco Express
• Sainsbury’s Local
• SPAR
• BP/M&S Simply Food
• Independent corner shops

Ultimately, it’s important to note that even when shops are legally allowed to open, it’s still up to each retailer whether to do so. And hours may vary significantly by region, especially in rural or suburban areas.

Which Shops Are Open on New Year’s Day 2026 in the UK?

Not all retailers close their doors on New Year’s Day. While some adopt full-day closures, several major UK supermarkets and high-street brands choose to operate on limited schedules.

Here’s a breakdown of confirmed or expected opening statuses for New Year’s Day 2026 based on recent trading patterns:

Supermarket Opening Times on 1 January 2026

As always, these times may vary depending on region, store size, and franchise ownership. Using the official store locator is recommended to confirm individual store hours.

Is Anything Open in London on New Year’s Day 2026 for Grocery Shopping?

Londoners can breathe a sigh of relief, yes, shops will be open in the capital on New Year’s Day, although options may be limited depending on location. The availability of open shops tends to be greater in central areas and boroughs within the M25.

In areas with high footfall like Westminster, Camden, Southbank, and Notting Hill, shoppers will typically find:

• Tesco Express
• Sainsbury’s Local
• Co-op Food
• Select Lidl stores inside the M25 (10am–6pm)
• M&S Simply Food at BP petrol stations

Some stores in major railway stations such as King’s Cross, Victoria, or Paddington also tend to remain open to accommodate traveller demand. However, opening hours may still be shorter than usual, often between 10am and 6pm, so shopping early is advisable.

Additionally, many international tourists spend New Year’s Day exploring London, so shops in tourist zones are more likely to trade normally or close later in the evening.

Are Convenience Stores and Petrol Stations Open on 1 January 2026?

Convenience stores and petrol stations are often the most dependable places to shop on New Year’s Day, with many remaining open across the UK on 1 January 2026.f

Convenience Stores Open on New Year’s Day

Convenience stores are among the most reliable options for shopping on New Year’s Day. These smaller stores cater to local communities and urban neighbourhoods where demand remains relatively steady even during bank holidays.

You can expect to find most branches of:

• Tesco Express
• Sainsbury’s Local
• Co-op Food
• SPAR
• Premier
• Budgens

open with extended or normal hours.

Petrol Station Stores Open on New Year’s Day

Petrol stations with attached convenience stores or food retailers are another safe bet. These typically remain open 24/7, even on holidays, making them ideal for emergency groceries or snacks.

Popular combinations include:

• BP with M&S Simply Food
• Shell with Little Waitrose
• Esso with Tesco Express

These locations usually trade as normal or operate on slightly reduced holiday hours (e.g., closing by 10pm instead of midnight). Always check the petrol station’s website or the partner retailer’s app for accurate information.

Can You Rely on Local Shops and Corner Stores on New Year’s Day?

Local independent shops and off-licences often remain open on New Year’s Day, especially in densely populated or multicultural neighbourhoods. These stores play an essential role in local communities and are more flexible with holiday trading, particularly when larger supermarkets are closed.

In urban areas, many corner shops will open from around 10am to 8pm, depending on location. In smaller towns or villages, it’s a bit more unpredictable. Some may close entirely, while others may open only for a few hours.

Although these shops may not have the widest range of fresh produce or branded products, they’re extremely handy for:

• Bread and milk
• Soft drinks and alcohol
• Snacks and frozen food
• Toiletries and household essentials

It’s always a good idea to check with your local shop a day or two before New Year’s Day to confirm their plans.

How Can You Find Your Local Store’s New Year’s Day Opening Hours?

In 2026, there are more ways than ever to confirm whether your local supermarket is open, and what hours they’ll be operating.

Recommended Tools to Check Store Hours:

Most of these tools are updated in real time during the festive period. However, smaller franchises and independently owned branches may operate under different hours, so it’s always safest to call ahead if you’re unsure.

How Can UK Shoppers Prepare Ahead for New Year’s Day Closures?

To avoid stress and inconvenience on 1 January, shoppers are strongly advised to prepare before the New Year. Here are a few proactive steps:

• Shop before 31 December: Aim to do your main shop by midday on New Year’s Eve, when stores are still fully operational.
• Make a checklist: Include essentials like bread, milk, eggs, paracetamol, nappies, pet food, and cleaning products.
• Use click-and-collect: If delivery isn’t available, book a collection slot for 2 January to restock easily.
• Check local hours in advance: Print or save screenshots of store hours from apps or websites.
• Stock up at petrol stations: These are often overlooked but reliably open.

Preparation is key, even if your local shop is open, queues and reduced staff can slow down service.

Conclusion

New Year’s Day in the UK brings a mix of closures and limited trading hours, especially across large supermarkets. However, a range of convenience stores, petrol station shops, and some supermarket branches will remain open, offering much-needed access to groceries and essentials.

Whether you’re living in a quiet countryside village or the heart of London, knowing which shops are open on New Year’s Day 2026, and planning ahead, will help you avoid the post-celebration scramble. Use store locators, check apps, and shop early to keep your first day of the year running smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are post offices open on New Year’s Day in the UK?

No, all Royal Mail post offices are closed on 1 January, as it is a bank holiday.

Can I shop at a supermarket petrol station on New Year’s Day?

Yes, most remain open, particularly those run by Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and BP with M&S Simply Food outlets.

Are pharmacies open on New Year’s Day?

Some may be open, especially those in hospitals or within large supermarkets. Use the NHS Pharmacy Finder for updated hours.

Do corner shops stay open on 1st January?

Yes, many do, especially in cities. However, hours may vary and it’s best to check locally.

What supermarkets are open in Scotland on New Year’s Day?

Some Morrisons, Co-op, and Sainsbury’s stores in Scotland are expected to open with reduced hours.

Is online grocery delivery available on New Year’s Day?

Most major supermarkets pause deliveries on 1 January. Delivery resumes from 2 January onward.

Which app is best for checking UK supermarket opening hours?

Tesco Grocery, Sainsbury’s Groceries, Co-op, Lidl Plus, and M&S apps all offer real-time updates and store locators.