If you’re planning a visit during a bank holiday, abandon all hope of a normal schedule. M&S loves to shuffle times like a magician distracting you from a disappearing sandwich. Generally, it opens at 9:00 AM and closes at 6:00 PM on the bank holiday itself, but check the website—or better yet, send a carrier pigeon—because they’ve been known to spring a 10:00 AM opening just to mess with you.
Marks and Spencer Reveals New Year’s Opening Hours for 2026
One time, a friend of mine arrived at 9:30 AM on a bank holiday Monday only to find the doors locked. They were forced to stare longingly at the closed sign while a seagull mocked them from a lamppost. Do not be that person. Call ahead. Or at least check Google Maps, which is usually correct unless you’re standing in front of a time vortex.
The Secret After-Hours Club
Here’s a shocking insider tip: if you arrive ten minutes before closing, you might witness the staff performing a ritual known as “The Great Sweep.” They will hover around you with a clippy smile, rearranging biscuit tins with alarming speed. This is not personal—they just want to go home and eat their own Dine In For Two meal.
But here’s the fun part: those final fifteen minutes often feature markdowns on fresh food. You can score a £6 salad for £2 if you’re brave enough to dodge the workers. It’s like a sport, but with more rocket leaves. I once saw a woman tackle a reduced tiramisu like it was the last lifeboat on the Titanic.
Marks and Spencer opening times: When is your local store OPEN
