After it was recently announced that Queen Elizabeth II's funeral will take place on Monday 19 September, many businesses across the UK have started to announce their plans to close on the day as a mark of respect.
Shops and services will not be obliged to close on the day of the Queen's funeral however, with the government advising: "Some businesses may wish to consider closing or postponing events, especially on the day of the State Funeral, however, this is at the discretion of individual businesses."
A whole host of major retailers are reportedly planning to close, including multiple supermarkets such as Sainsbury's, Asda and Tesco.
Sources have told The Sun that these supermarkets, along with Waitrose and Morrisons, are currently in the process of finalising details to close or reduce opening hours on the day of Her Majesty's funeral.
Tesco, Asda and Morrisons will be shutting big supermarkets for around four hours as a mark of respect, allowing staff and customers to watch the funeral on television.
It is believed that these retailers will close from around 10am until 2pm, however smaller convenience stores are set to remain open, partly to ensure that those gathering to watch the funeral will be able to buy food and water.
Sainsbury's has confirmed that it will shut for the day, aside from smaller convenience stores and petrol stations which will be open from 5pm until 10pm for essential items.
Argos, which is owned by Sainsbury's, will also close.
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All Aldi supermarkets will be closed on 19 September, along with Poundland and B&Q stores. John Lewis will be closing all of its 34 department stores, but will be keeping 10 food shops open along the funeral route.
Andrew Murphy, chief operating officer, The John Lewis Partnership said: “We are deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty The Queen.
"We will be closing our stores on the day of her funeral as a mark of respect, and because we believe this is the right thing to do for our Partners and customers.”
All remaining 321 Waitrose stores will be closed, along with all 191 Primark stores across the UK. Marks & Spencer are said to be still finalising plans for the day of the funeral.
Alongside retailers, the London Stock Exchange will be closed as well as the Royal Opera House and National Gallery.
This week, OK! celebrates the life of Her Majesty the Queen with a commemorative special in honour of Britain’s longest reigning monarch. Be sure to pick up your copy.
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