Most Tesco stores are open on New Year’s Day, Friday, January 1, 2027, but they typically operate under reduced holiday hours. While larger Tesco Superstores and Extras usually open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, smaller Tesco Express branches often provide more flexibility, staying open from 8:00 AM until 10:00 PM. In Scotland, stores may follow a different schedule, frequently opening later at 11:00 AM and closing at 6:00 PM to reflect local public holiday traditions.
Tesco Opening Hours New Year’s Day 2027
As we transition into 2027, Tesco continues its tradition of remaining open to serve customers on the first day of the year. However, because January 1 is a Bank Holiday in the UK, “normal” 24-hour or late-night trading is suspended in favor of a condensed schedule.
Superstore and Extra Hours
The “big” shops—Tesco Extra and Superstores—are the most likely to have significantly reduced hours. In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, expect doors to open at 9:00 AM and close promptly at 6:00 PM. These stores are ideal for larger restocks or browsing the post-Christmas clearance aisles.
Tesco Express Convenience Hours
If you need a quick “top-up” for breakfast or recovery supplies, Tesco Express stores are your best bet. Most Express locations will open at 8:00 AM and remain open until 10:00 PM. Some city-center Express branches that usually trade 24 hours may still close at 10:00 PM on New Year’s Eve and reopen at 8:00 AM on New Year’s Day.
Regional Variations: Scotland and Northern Ireland
Trading laws and cultural traditions mean that “Tesco opening hours” aren’t the same across the entire UK. Scotland, in particular, has unique patterns for the New Year period.
Shopping in Scotland
In Scotland, January 1 and January 2 are both significant public holidays. On New Year’s Day 2027, most Scottish Tesco Superstores and Extras will operate from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. This later start allows staff and customers to observe Hogmanay traditions. On January 2, while England returns to normal hours, many Scottish stores may still run on a reduced 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM schedule.
Northern Ireland Trading
Stores in Northern Ireland generally follow the English pattern of 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, but local licensing laws can occasionally impact the sale of alcohol or specific services. It is always recommended to use the Tesco Store Locator app for real-time updates on your specific branch.
New Year’s Eve vs. New Year’s Day
To plan your shopping effectively, it is vital to look at the “New Year’s sandwich”—the two-day window of altered trading.
New Year’s Eve Deadlines
On Thursday, December 31, 2026, Tesco stores typically close earlier than a standard Thursday.
- Extras & Superstores: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Express Stores: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Missing these 7:00 PM or 10:00 PM cut-offs means waiting until the following morning, as very few stores (if any) will remain open through the stroke of midnight.
What to Expect: Stock and Savings
New Year’s Day at Tesco is a unique shopping experience characterized by two distinct types of inventory: festive clearance and “New Year, New You” health kicks.
The Last of the Festive Clearance
By January 1, any remaining Christmas stock—puddings, crackers, and gift sets—is usually marked down by 75% or more. This is the prime time to find “Yellow Sticker” fresh food that was prepared for New Year’s Eve parties but didn’t sell.
The “Health Kick” Launch
Tesco traditionally launches its “Better Basket” and health-focused promotions on New Year’s Day. You will notice a dramatic shift in store layout, with front-of-store displays moving away from chocolates and alcohol toward:
- Fresh Produce: Bulk deals on berries, citrus, and leafy greens.
- Vitamins & Supplements: Often featured in a “Buy One Get One Free” or “3 for 2” Nectar Price offer.
- Meat Alternatives: Massive pushes for “Veganuary” products, with the Plant Chef and Wicked Kitchen ranges seeing major prominence.
Practical Information and Planning
Navigating the supermarket on a Bank Holiday requires a bit of logistical savvy. Here is how to ensure your New Year’s Day trip is as smooth as possible.
Using the Store Locator
While general hours are consistent, individual store managers have some discretion, and stores in shopping centers (like Westfield or Trafford Centre) must follow the mall’s specific holiday hours.
- Link: Visit the Tesco Store Locator or use the Tesco Grocery & Clubcard app.
- Accuracy: The app is updated roughly 48 hours before the holiday with confirmed specific timings.
Transport and Parking
- Public Transport: Buses and trains often run on a “Sunday Service” or a special “New Year’s Day Service,” which is significantly more limited.
- Parking Charges: Check if your local Tesco car park (often managed by third parties like Horizon or APCOA) enforces Bank Holiday rules. Usually, the standard 2-hour or 3-hour limit still applies even if the store is less busy.
Online Delivery and Click & Collect
Do not rely on home delivery for New Year’s Day. Tesco typically suspends Home Delivery and Click & Collect slots on January 1. Service usually resumes with a limited number of slots on January 2. If you need groceries on New Year’s Day, you will almost certainly have to visit a physical store.
Behind the Scenes: 2027 Holiday Logistics
Managing stock for New Year’s Day is a massive logistical feat. In 2026/2027, Tesco’s supply chain benefited from a major £1 billion investment in automation, particularly at their semi-automated distribution centers like the one in Kent and the upcoming Europe-leading facility at London Gateway.
Automated Distribution Centers (ADCs)
These centers use AI-driven “Witron” technology to pick and pack crates with 99.9% accuracy. On the night of December 31, these robots work through the night to ensure that fresh produce and recovery supplies (like “Better Basket” items) are ready for the 9:00 AM opening on New Year’s Day.
FAQs
Which stores are closed on New Year’s Day 2027?
Aldi, Lidl, Waitrose, and Marks & Spencer typically close most or all of their stores on January 1, making Tesco a primary option for shoppers.
Does Tesco charge more for delivery in early January?
Tesco does not usually increase delivery fees in January, but slots are extremely limited. Many shoppers use the “Delivery Saver” plan to lock in priority slots.
What is “Veganuary” at Tesco?
“Veganuary” is a global movement to eat vegan in January. Tesco supports this with massive discounts on their Plant Chef and Wicked Kitchen ranges, starting New Year’s Day.
Can I return Christmas gifts at Tesco on New Year’s Day?
Yes, customer service desks are open, but you are advised to wait until January 2 to avoid the initial rush of “top-up” grocery shoppers.
Is the “Scan as You Shop” handset available on New Year’s Day?
Yes, SmartShop and Scan as You Shop are fully operational and are the best way to track your “Clubcard Price” savings in a busy store.
Are Tesco Cafes open on New Year’s Day?
Many in-store cafes remain closed or operate on very limited hours (e.g., 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM) on New Year’s Day.
What happens to Tesco Mobile shops on January 1?
In-store phone shops often follow the main store’s 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM hours, though technical support may be limited to online or phone-based services.
How do I find my “Local” Tesco hours?
The most reliable way is the Tesco Store Locator on their official website or the app, which updates with holiday-specific hours 48 hours in advance.
Is there a “quiet hour” on New Year’s Day?
Tesco often suspends its “Quiet Hour” during major bank holidays due to the unpredictable nature of footfall, but this varies by store manager.
Are F&F Clothing sales active on New Year’s Day?
Yes, the January clothing clearance often begins on New Year’s Day, with winter stock reduced by up to 50% to make room for Spring 2027 lines.
Is Tesco open today, New Year’s Day 2027?
Yes, the majority of Tesco stores are open today, but they are likely operating on reduced Bank Holiday hours, typically 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM for larger stores.
What time does Tesco close on New Year’s Eve?
Most large Tesco stores close at 7:00 PM on New Year’s Eve, while Express stores stay open until 10:00 PM.
Are Tesco pharmacies open on New Year’s Day?
In-store pharmacies often have different hours than the main store. Many will be closed on New Year’s Day, so it is vital to check the store locator specifically for “Pharmacy” hours.
Can I buy alcohol at Tesco on New Year’s Day?
Yes, as long as the store is open and within legal licensing hours (usually from the moment the store opens). However, in Scotland, alcohol cannot be sold before 10:00 AM.
Does Tesco do delivery on New Year’s Day?
No, Tesco generally does not offer home delivery or Click & Collect services on January 1. These services resume on January 2.
Is the Tesco petrol station open?
Most Tesco petrol station kiosks will follow the main store’s hours (9:00 AM – 6:00 PM), but “Pay at Pump” services are usually available 24/7.
Are Nectar Prices available on New Year’s Day?
Tesco uses Clubcard Prices, not Nectar (which is Sainsbury’s). Clubcard Prices remain fully active on New Year’s Day for all members.
What is the best time to visit Tesco on New Year’s Day?
The quietest time is usually immediately after opening at 9:00 AM or just before the 6:00 PM close. Mid-afternoon tends to be busy with “top-up” shoppers.
Is Tesco open on January 2nd?
Yes, in England and Wales, January 2 is a normal trading day. In Scotland, it is a Bank Holiday, and stores may still operate on reduced hours.
Are all Tesco Express stores open on New Year’s Day?
The vast majority are open from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, but a small number of ultra-local or petrol-station-linked Express stores might have slightly shorter windows.
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