Which shops are closed for lockdown? A full list on non-essential shops

(Image credit: Benedikt Geyer on Unsplash)

last updated 3 November 2020

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).

Ruth is a lifestyle journalist specialising in sleep and wellbeing. She has tested more mattresses than her small flat can handle and will talk at length about them to anyone who shows even a passing interest, and has had to implement a one-in-one-out pillow policy for fear of getting smothered in the night. As well as following all the industry trends and advancements in the mattress and bedding world, she regularly speaks to certified experts to delve into the science behind a great night's sleep, and offer you advice to help you get there. She's currently Sleep Editor on Tom's Guide and TechRadar, and prior to that ran the Outdoors and Wellness channels on T3 (now covered by Matt Kollat and Beth Girdler-Maslen respectively).