Overview
- The company has published the full list of ten London branches that will trade on December 25, including specific opening hours for each site.
- Gail’s states the decision to open was made by individual staff members and framed the move as community support for those who celebrate differently or not at all.
- Reaction online has been split, with criticism over staff working on the day and supportive comments welcoming the option, including a high-profile rebuke from consumer journalist Harry Wallop.
- All bakeries will operate as usual on Christmas Eve and most are set to reopen on Boxing Day, with festive hours listed on the company’s website.
- The update comes alongside business context of rapid growth, with plans for 40 more English stores by February 2026, sales of about £278 million in the year to February 2025, and a reported pre-tax loss of £7.8 million linked to expansion costs.