IF you’re planning on going shopping at Tesco today, you’ll want to know when it opens and closes.
More of an online shopper? We explain all you need to know about getting your order delivered to your door as well.
When are Tesco branches opening and closing?
Tesco has more than 4,000 stores across the UK and you can find your nearest – including store opening times – using the supermarket’s store locator tool.
Some stores are also open for 24 hours a day.
For stores that aren’t open 24 hours, opening times are typically 6am or 7am until 10pm or 11pm.
But as this does vary depending on your location, it’s best to check with your local store for exact opening times.
Does Tesco operate any special opening hours?
At the start of the pandemic last year, Tesco introduced priority hours for elderly and vulnerable customers.
This has still been kept in place even though Covid restrictions eased – these hours are still running on Wednesdays and Sundays from 9am to 10am.
The special hours many not apply to all shops so check in with your local first.
Previous priority hours for NHS, emergency services and other healthcare workers introduced during the pandemic have now been scrapped.
When is the best time to shop there?
Google has a tracker that allows you to see when the peak times are.
If you search for “Tesco” and then click on your nearest store, it will show a bar chart of when the store’s busiest times are.
For example, at the Tesco Superstore in Sheffield, weekday lunchtimes and 3pm on a Sunday tend to be busiest, according to the tracker.
You can also order online if you prefer.
Delivery costs will vary depending on which day and time you select.
You can also get a Delivery Saver account for £7.99 a month or a one-off six-monthly payment of £47.94.
This allows you to book slots up to four weeks in advance and you won’t have to pay for each individual delivery on top of your account charge.
Orders need to be at least £40 to qualify for home delivery
What about priority online slots?
Hundreds of thousands of priority slots are reserved for Tesco’s most vulnerable customers.
This service started during the Covid pandemic, but according to Tesco’s website it is continuing to offer the slots for those who need them.
Tesco will have emailed you if you’re eligible to book one.
Customers reserving these slots will be able to reserve a delivery window between 10am to 6pm, or 2pm to 10pm.
Tesco will text you on the day of your delivery to let you know when your one hour slot is within this window – so make sure your mobile number is up to date in your account.
If you’re not able to go to the shops for another reason (for example if you are self-isolating), then you can call Tesco’s customer engagement centre to try and get a priority slot.
You can also call Tesco on 0800 917 7359 if you’re a vulnerable customer and want to find out about access to in-store shopping prioirty slots.
Can I still use click and collect?
Yes – you can still use click and collect services.
Your order will have to be at least £25 to qualify.
The cost of the service will depend on the day and time you pick.
Again, customers signed up to Delivery Saver can get slots further in advance and won’t have to pay more on top of their monthly fee for the service.
