Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Lidl change opening hours this weekend for major reason

A total of three supermarket giants are adjusting their hours for this weekend and the following week as England vies for glory in the Euros final on Sunday night.

In light of the feverish build-up to England’s clash with Spain in the upcoming Euro 2024 Football Championship finale this Sunday, Sainsbury’s, Lidl and Tesco have all revealed plans to amend their opening times, ensuring staff can join the nationwide euphoria as the game unfolds.

Sainsbury’s has declared that its convenience and petrol station outlets will shut their doors at 7.30pm on Sunday, giving employees the opportunity to watch the match with eager anticipation.

Clodagh Moriarty, Sainsbury’s chief retail and technology officer, said: “We want to give our colleagues the chance to tune in live and cheer on England with friends and family.”

For supermarkets, the revised timings will have minimal impact as they typically cease trading by 8pm anyway, and normal service resumes the following Monday, reports the Mirror.

Lidl GB is also embracing the football spirit, stating its stores across the homeland will delay Monday morning’s opening time on July 15 to 9am, a full hour later than its standard practice, irrespective of the game’s result.

Tesco joins this trio, announcing that on Sunday, all its Tesco Express workers will finish early at 7.30pm, lining them up perfectly for the 8pm kick-off.

With these adjustments in place, around 1800 Express stores are poised to close considerably up to three hours before their usual time. 

This will give staff either the chance to immerse themselves in the football frenzy or simply enjoy additional downtime on a Sunday evening.

All Tesco Express stores are set to resume regular service the next morning, with doors opening early at either 6am or 7am.

Lidl GB’s CEO, Ryan McDonnell, explained that the decision to commence trading later on Monday is a gesture to enable employees to partake in this pivotal event in English football.

He commented: “We couldn’t achieve our goals without our colleagues, so in recognition of their hard work and dedication, this move will allow them to join in the excitement and show support for the England team, and we wish them the best of luck for the big game.”

While Scotland and Wales outlets will operate per usual, normal hours for England branches are set to return on Tuesday, July 16.