Tesco, a leading supermarket chain, has announced plans to shut down over 2,000 of its stores if England reaches the World Cup final on Sunday. The decision aims to allow employees, including fans eager to watch the match featuring Harry Kane and the team against Lionel Messi’s Argentina, to be with their families or watch the game at a pub.
The closure of Tesco Express stores in England at 7.30pm, half an hour earlier than usual closing time, ensures that staff can enjoy the game while still receiving their regular pay. Larger Tesco stores in England will already be closed by the time the match starts at 8pm, with all stores resuming normal operations the next day.
Despite the early closure for the final, Tesco Express stores will operate normally during the day, anticipating a surge in customer traffic for last-minute purchases if England progresses in the tournament. Additionally, Tesco’s ultra-fast Whoosh service will remain available until 11pm for customers needing urgent essentials.
Online grocery orders scheduled for Sunday evening will be processed as usual. Stores in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland will maintain their standard hours of operation.
Kevin Tindall, Tesco’s UK Operations managing director, expressed understanding for the significance of the event to employees and emphasized the company’s support for their celebration if England advances to the final.
In contrast, Currys, an electronics retailer, will close its stores an hour early for England’s crucial match against Argentina. The decision allows staff to watch the game and still gives customers time to make purchases before kick-off.
Predictions suggest that a significant number of fans, up to 26.2 million, will tune in to witness the semi-final clash. Many are expected to gather in pubs, bars, and fan zones to experience the thrilling match together. VoucherCodes estimates that a record seven million fans will watch the game in hospitality venues, contributing to a substantial increase in sales for the sector.
The British Beer and Pub Association forecasts a considerable surge in pint sales during the game, with an estimated six million extra pints projected to be served in pubs alone. Overall, a spending spree of £357 million is anticipated across supermarkets and other retail outlets, primarily driven by purchases of food and drink, sportswear, and electrical items.
