It's the news that none of us wanted: England will be going into a second lockdown. That means shops classed as 'non-essential' will be forced to close their doors. Wondering what that means exactly? Read on for a full list of shops that will be closed during lockdown two.
The second lockdown comes into force first thing on Thursday 5 November, and is planned to last at least 28 days. To avoid dealing with the rush that we're predicting over the next couple of days, we'd suggest embracing online shopping wherever possible.
Shops considered essential, which will stay open, include all supermarkets, food shops, garden centres, newsagents and off-licenses (remember, you'll need your face mask to shop). However, the following will be closed during lockdown:
- Clothes shops
- Shoe shops
- Toy shops
- Jewellery stores
- Electronics shops
- Homeware shops
- Bookstores
- Music shops
- Betting shops
- Travel agents
- Tailors
- Tobacco and vape shops
- Car showrooms
- Auction houses
- Car washes
- Card shops
- Phone shops
Other businesses that will be required to close include indoor and outdoor leisure facilities (including gyms, leisure centres, swimming pools, golf courses, driving ranges, dance studios, stables and riding centres, soft play facilities, bowling alleys, climbing walls and climbing centres, archery and shooting ranges and water and theme parks), entertainment venues (cinemas, theatres, concert halls, museums, galleries, casinos, arcades, bingo halls, and zoos). Finally, all personal care facilities will have to close – such as hair, beauty and nail salons, spas, tattoo parlours, massage parlours, body and skin piercing services, non-medical acupuncture and tanning salons.
The following shops are classed as essential, and will definitely be allowed to stay open through lockdown:
- Supermarkets
- Newsagents
- Food shops
- Off-licenses
- Garden centres
We're also expecting pound shops (like Poundland), pet supply stores, opticians, hardware stores and pharmacies to stay open, but are waiting on official confirmation on these. Find out more on Gov.uk.
Remember, while you won't be able to shop in person at any non-essential stores, these business are allowed to remain open for deliveries and click-and-collect services. They're also permitted to stay open until the new rules come into force at 00.01am on Thursday 5 November. Below you'll find some online alternatives to browse.
For clothes, shoes and homeware:
For electronics:
Supermarkets are all considered essential, so you'll still be able to shop in person, although to avoid crowds and queues, perhaps it's better to book a delivery. Check availability of delivery slots here:
If you're worried about how you're going to do your Christmas shopping with all these restrictions, panic not. Check out our Christmas gift guide for inspiration, and then head to our guides to the best Black Friday deals and Cyber Monday deals for a roundup of the best places to save (and they're all available to order online).
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