Ikea, Aldi, Primark and cinema chain Cineworld are among the other major brands to announce closures, which have been described as a way to let their staff pay their respects.
Monday, September 19, is a public holiday but the government stresses it’s generally up to individual businesses to decide whether they will open and if their employees must go to work.
“The bank holiday will take place across the United Kingdom.
“The bank holiday will be a unique national moment, and we would encourage employers to respond sensitively to requests from workers who wish to take time off.”
The announcements have generally been well received but holiday park company Centre Parcs sparked outrage when it announced guests would have to leave their accommodation at 10am on Monday, even if it was in the middle of their reservation.
The company quickly backtracked in the face of angry holidaymakers but still won’t allow check-ins on Monday.
McDonald’s said its stores would close across the UK from midnight on Monday until 5pm “to allow everyone at McDonald’s to pay their respects to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II”.
“Operating hours and services may vary after 5pm, so please check our app before travelling,” the company said, on Twitter.
Greggs, known for its cheap pies and sausage rolls, will also close but major fast food companies such as Burger King, KFC and Domino’s have not announced plans to do so.
Supermarkets shutting their doors include Aldi, Asda, Co-op, Lidl, Morrisons, M&S, Sainsbury’s and Tesco, although some will reopen convenience stores after 5pm.
The Queen’s final journey
Tech stores Argos and Curry’s will also reportedly be closed, along with department store John Lewis and furniture providers Ikea and Homebase.
“Out of respect for Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and to allow our co-workers to pay their respects, all IKEA stores and business operations across the United Kingdom will be closed on Monday 19th September,” Ikea said, on Twitter.
