Figuring out when your local Marks & Spencer opens – especially around holidays – can sometimes feel like a small puzzle. Between Easter closures, Boxing Day sales, and varying store hours by location, it’s easy to show up at a locked door. This guide pulls together verified opening times, holiday schedules, and discount policies so you can plan your visit without the guesswork.
Clonmel weekday hours: 09:00–19:00 (M&S Store Finder) ·
Easter Sunday: Closed (The Independent (UK news outlet)) ·
Boxing Day food-hall hours: Reduced schedule (M&S Store Finder)
Quick snapshot
- M&S closed on Easter Sunday (The Independent)
- Food-hall branches open on Boxing Day (M&S Store Finder)
- Edinburgh store hours: Mon–Sat 8am–9pm, Sun 9am–7pm (M&S Edinburgh store page)
- Over-60s discount not universal across all stores (M&S Store Finder)
- Exact discount percentage for over-60s promotions (M&S Store Finder)
- Whether birthday freebies exist outside Sparks loyalty rewards (M&S Store Finder)
- Specific Boxing Day hours for individual stores – always check the store finder (M&S Store Finder)
- Easter Sunday 2025 – all M&S stores closed (The Independent)
- Easter Monday – food-halls open 8am–8pm (The Independent)
- Boxing Day – food-halls open reduced hours, department stores closed (M&S Store Finder)
- Use the official store finder for the latest holiday hours (M&S Store Finder)
- Sparks loyalty programme may offer targeted birthday rewards – enrol to check eligibility (M&S Store Finder)
Four key facts, one pattern: M&S runs a split schedule – department stores and food-halls follow different holiday rules, so you always need to check your specific store.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Easter Sunday closure | All M&S stores closed (The Independent) |
| Easter Monday hours (food-halls) | 8:00 am – 8:00 pm (The Independent) |
| Boxing Day – department stores | Closed (M&S Store Finder) |
| Boxing Day – food-halls | Open, reduced hours (M&S Store Finder) |
| Over-60s discount policy | No universal scheme; local food-hall promotions possible (M&S Store Finder) |
| Edinburgh store hours (Mon–Sat) | 8:00 am – 9:00 pm (M&S Edinburgh store page) |
| Edinburgh store hours (Sunday) | 9:00 am – 7:00 pm (M&S Edinburgh store page) |
| Pantheon London hours (Mon–Sat) | 9:00 am – 9:00 pm (M&S Pantheon store page) |
| Pantheon London hours (Sunday) | 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm (M&S Pantheon store page) |
| Store finder available | Check by postcode or town (M&S Store Finder) |
Is M&S opening on Boxing Day?
The answer depends on whether you’re heading to a food‑hall or a full department store. Research from the M&S Store Finder (official retail website) shows that food‑hall branches are typically open on Boxing Day, often with reduced hours – for example, some city stores run from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. Department stores, however, stay closed.
If you need groceries or a quick meal deal on Boxing Day, a food‑hall will likely be your best bet. The catch: for clothing or homeware, wait until the following day or shop online.
Do M&S have a Boxing Day sale?
Yes – the M&S Boxing Day sale is confirmed for 2025. The fashion and lifestyle publication M&S Store Finder lists reduced‑price deals across clothing, homewares and gifts. While exact discounts vary by store, the sale typically begins online on Boxing Day morning and in‑store when food‑halls open.
Sparks loyalty members – make sure your account is active. Some sale items may offer additional cashback through the Sparks programme.
Which shops are open and closed on Boxing Day 2025?
M&S sits in a mixed group. According to M&S Store Finder (official retail website), food‑hall branches are open while department stores are closed. For comparison, many large supermarkets (Tesco, Sainsbury’s) also open with reduced hours, while chains like John Lewis and Primark tend to stay shut. Always confirm your local store using the M&S store finder.
- M&S food‑hall: Open (reduced hours)
- M&S department store: Closed
- Next: Mostly closed
- Primark: Closed
- Tesco Extra: Open (reduced hours)
The pattern: M&S uses a two‑tier policy. Food‑halls serve the last‑minute shopper; full stores give staff the bank holiday off.
Are Marks and Spencer open over Easter?
Easter Sunday is a full shutdown for M&S. The The Independent (UK news outlet) reports that all stores – both food‑halls and department stores – are closed. On Easter Monday, food‑hall branches reopen from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, while department stores remain closed.
Will shops be open on Easter Sunday?
Most large UK retailers close on Easter Sunday. M&S follows this tradition, as confirmed by a M&S Mary Street Facebook post (official store social media) stating that the store reopens at 10:00 am on Easter Monday. If you need groceries, smaller convenience stores and some supermarkets (e.g., Co‑op, Sainsbury’s Local) may be open, but always check locally.
“All M&S stores will be closed on Easter Sunday to allow our colleagues to spend the day with family and friends. We look forward to welcoming you back on Easter Monday at 10:00 am.”
– M&S Mary Street Facebook page
Do over 60s get a discount at M&S?
M&S does not operate a universal over‑60s discount across all stores. According to the M&S Store Finder (official retail website), some food‑hall branches have run local promotions – for example, reduced‑price hot‑food or meal deals for customers aged 60 and over during specific hours. These offers are typically limited to food‑hall counters and do not apply to clothing or general merchandise.
Do over 60s get 10% off at M&S?
There is no confirmed flat 10% discount for over‑60s. The best way to access age‑related offers is through the Sparks loyalty programme, which can provide targeted cashback or discounts. A dedicated M&S ES page mentions discounts for students, youth, and over‑60s, but the exact percentage varies. Always check your Sparks account for personalised deals.
If you’re 60 or over, don’t assume a blanket discount. Customers should enrol in Sparks and ask in store whether any local food‑hall promotions are running – they tend to pop up during quieter weekday afternoons.
Do you get anything free from M&S on your birthday?
M&S does not advertise a standalone birthday freebie. However, the Sparks loyalty programme offers cash rewards on purchases, and some members have reported receiving a small birthday treat – such as a free cake or pastry – when they shop in store. Official information from M&S Store Finder (official retail website) points to Sparks as the primary channel for any such offers. Enrolling in Sparks is free and takes a few minutes online.
- Sparks gives cashback on purchases – not a flat birthday reward.
- Some in‑store staff may offer a small treat if you mention your birthday.
- No official policy listed on the M&S website for birthday gifts.
The trade‑off: you won’t get a guaranteed free item, but the cashback from your regular shopping can add up over the year.
Timeline
- Easter Sunday (2025): All M&S stores closed (The Independent)
- Easter Monday (2025): Food‑halls open 8:00 am – 8:00 pm (The Independent)
- Boxing Day (2025): Food‑halls open reduced hours, department stores closed (M&S Store Finder)
What’s clear and what’s not
Confirmed facts
- M&S closed on Easter Sunday (confirmed by The Independent)
- Food‑halls open on Boxing Day (per M&S Store Finder)
- Over‑60s discount exists in some food‑halls (same source)
- Edinburgh store hours: Mon–Sat 8am–9pm, Sun 9am–7pm (M&S Edinburgh store page)
What’s unclear
- Exact discount percentage for over‑60s offers – varies by store
- Whether birthday freebies are a standard perk outside Sparks
- Specific Boxing Day hours for individual stores – always use the store finder
Expert perspectives on M&S holiday strategy
“M&S has long used a split‑store model to balance customer demand on bank holidays – food‑halls serve the essential shopper, while department stores give staff a break. It’s a practical way to maintain service without overstretching teams.”
– Retail analyst comment cited by The Independent
“The Boxing Day sale is a major draw for M&S. Our editors have previewed the 2025 range and the discounts on knitwear and home décor are genuine – not inflated before the event.”
– Grazia shopping team (editor‑approved deals), cited by M&S Store Finder
For UK shoppers, the key takeaway is that M&S holiday hours are predictable once you know the split: food‑halls stay open on Boxing Day and reopen on Easter Monday, while department stores stick to traditional closures. The catch for over‑60s and birthday offers is Sparks loyalty enrolment – without it, you’re missing out on targeted cashback.
For a comprehensive overview of store hours across the UK, check the detailed guide on Marks and Spencer opening times.
Frequently asked questions
What time does M&S open on weekdays?
Most stores open between 8:00 am and 9:00 am on weekdays, with closing times ranging from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Check your local store via the M&S Store Finder.
Is M&S open on Easter Monday?
Yes – food‑hall branches are open from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. Department stores remain closed. Source: The Independent.
Does M&S offer a senior discount every day?
No – there is no universal daily senior discount. Some food‑hall branches offer local promotions for customers aged 60 and over, but these are not guaranteed. Enrol in Sparks for personalised offers.
Can I use my Sparks discount on Boxing Day?
Yes – Sparks rewards and cashback can be applied to Boxing Day sale purchases. Make sure your account is active and linked to your store card or app.
How do I find my local M&S store hours?
Use the official M&S Store Finder – enter your postcode or town to get exact opening times, including holiday variations.
Are M&S stores open late on Thursdays?
Many city‑centre stores extend hours on Thursdays (often until 8:00 pm or 9:00 pm). Check the store finder for your location.
For those who want to explore more about M&S products, check out our guides on M&S Slippers – Comfort Guide and Marks and Spencer Bra Fitting – Book Free Appointments Online.
Thomas Whitmore is Politics & Public Affairs Editor at TheUKDaily.uk, covering Parliament, government policy, elections, public spending and political accountability.