Lidl and Sainsbury’s have become the latest grocers to announce shifted hours ahead of Sunday’s Euro 2024 final.

Following news that Tesco is to shutter 1,800 Express stores hours early on Sunday to allow staff to watch England’s historic final against Spain, rivals have sought to capitalise on the potential good PR of temporarily altering their trading hours.

Sainsbury's has followed suit, also opting to close its convenience stores and petrol filling stations across England at 7:30pm. Clodagh Moriarty, Sainsbury's chief retail and technology officer, noted, "The atmosphere in stores is electric after last [Wednesday] night's win and everyone is working hard across the business to make sure our customers can find everything they may want for the match."

Both Tesco and Sainsbury's have assured customers that online grocery orders placed for Sunday evening will be honoured as usual.

In a unique move, Lidl has announced that all its stores in England will open an hour later than usual on Monday, regardless of the match outcome. This decision aims to allow staff to participate in post-match celebrations. Ryan McDonnell, Lidl GB chief exec, stated, "We know how much this game means to England fans, and we want to ensure that our colleagues have the chance to celebrate such a significant moment in English football history."

The supermarkets have emphasised that these changes are a gesture of goodwill towards their employees. Tesco confirmed that staff will receive their usual pay for the hours affected, including those who choose not to watch the match.

While the focus is on supporting England, the retailers have clarified that stores in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland will maintain their regular hours.

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