It’s Christmas Day. The kids are unwrapping presents. You’ve just popped the turkey in the oven. Everything’s going as planned when, wait, what’s this? You don’t have any batteries for that new toy, this old jar of cranberry sauce smells a bit off, and you’re short a Christmas cracker because Aunty Kath’s decided to pop round uninvited…
With all the major supermarkets shut on December 25, any last-minute bumps in the road can send the Big Day into total chaos. So, “in support of the local community” this festive period, Southern Co-op has decided to open a select number of its stores and forecourts on Christmas Day.
Where is opening on Christmas Day?
The idea sprang from colleague feedback, with select store teams volunteering to open their doors for a few hours. A total of 67 stores, just over a third of Southern Co-op’s supermarkets, will open for a limited period—with main convenience stores trading from 10am–2pm and petrol station forecourts trading from 8am–6pm.
In Bristol, this totals four Co-op supermarkets open on Christmas Day:
- Co-op Bedminster, 206-208 North Street, Bristol, BS3 1EN
- Co-op Long Down Avenue, 4 Long Down Ave, Stoke Gifford, Bristol BS16 1GU
- Co-op Redcliffe Street, The Square, Redcliff St, Redcliffe, Bristol BS1 6LT
- Co-op Hanham, 183 Memorial Rd, Hanham, Bristol BS15 3LH
Simon Eastwood, Chief Operating Officer at Southern Co-op, said: “Christmas Day looks different for everyone, but having access to essentials can make a real difference.
“Whether it’s picking up ingredients for a traditional turkey roast, topping up groceries for a neighbour, or making sure someone has what they need if plans change unexpectedly, our colleagues understand the importance of this and have put themselves forward to open selected stores for a short time.
“We’re incredibly grateful for their commitment, which reflects the heart of co-operative working – people choosing to support others, share in the benefits, and uplift their communities.”