Are any shops open on New Year’s Day?
Christmas Day has passed and the world is slowly opening back up again with the January sales not far from UK high streets.
New Year’s Day is a bank holiday in the UK which means that not everything will be open but luckily for those needing to buy anything it is not the blackout of December 25.
New Year’s Eve will fall on a Sunday in 2023 which means that many will be nursing a hangover into the working week and will be grateful for the day off.
But if you are up and about, this is what you can expect on January 1 as far as shopping is concerned as well as general amenities.
Which shops are open on New Year’s Day?
‘All is quiet on New Year’s Day,’ goes the U2 song.
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, 2024, 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.
What hours can shops open on New Year’s Day?
In 2024, as ever, UK shops will be subject to laws around opening hours on New Year’s Day.
“Small shops in England and Wales can open any day or hour,” UK law states. “There are no trading hours restrictions in Scotland.”
Large shops must remain closed on Christmas Day and Easter Day while they can only open on Sundays for six consecutive hours between 10am and 6pm.
But 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, hence the name, 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.
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