John Lewis and Waitrose stores across the UK will close on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, while New Year’s Day hours will vary across the group’s branches.

John Lewis said the majority of its 34 stores in the UK will be open from 9am until 8pm between December 27 and 31 but advised customers to use its online branch finder and check the opening times of shopping centres ahead of visiting.

The department store confirmed its Trafford Centre store will open to customers on New Year’s Day, despite other stores being closed.

John Lewis Partnership said its 329 Waitrose stores will be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day except for some Shell petrol stations.

Waitrose stores will trade “normal hours” from December 27 until New Year’s Eve, while its opening hours on New Year’s Day vary.

Some Waitrose stores will open with reduced hours but the retailer encouraged customers to check the hours for their local branches.

John Lewis Partnership is following in the footsteps of the likes of M&S, The Range and Wilko, which all recently confirmed stores will be closed on Boxing Day.

In the run-up to Christmas, John Lewis unveiled its highly anticipated new advert for 2023 that “celebrates the joy” of classic and changing Christmas traditions.

The retailer also recently opened its debut pre-loved luxury fashion pop-up, in partnership with Sign of the Times, which is open to customers until January 31.