Gail’s bakery chain has announced that ten of its stores will be open for business on Christmas Day. Additionally, customers visiting these bakeries on December 25 will receive complimentary mince pies. All Gail’s bakeries will maintain regular hours on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day.
Through a post on Instagram, Gail’s conveyed, “Some of our bakeries will be open on Christmas Day. A cozy spot for a coffee, fresh bread, or a friendly face on a serene morning. And if you drop by, enjoy a complimentary mince pie from us as a token of appreciation for spending part of the day with us (while supplies last). People have varied ways of celebrating Christmas, and some may not at all. Each year, our teams decide what works best for them.”
In other news, Gail’s expansion plans include the opening of 40 new stores in England, expanding beyond London. The bakery chain launched 36 cafes in the previous financial year, including its first outlets in the south west of England. The next batch of 40 stores is slated to open by February 2026. Gail’s reported sales of £278 million in the fiscal year ending February 2025, a 20% increase from the prior year. However, pre-tax losses rose to £7.8 million, up from £7.4 million, due to business expenses and staffing costs associated with new store openings.
As of February, Gail’s employed over 4,000 staff, with an increase of approximately 500 from the previous year following a recruitment campaign. The company’s wholesale division supplies baked goods to various supermarkets such as Waitrose and Ocado. Gail’s sourdough loaves start at around £4.80 each, with the retail segment being identified as the faster-growing and more profitable sector of the business.
A company spokesperson expressed satisfaction with the strong year-on-year growth, attributing it to the rising demand for high-quality, nutrient-rich food and community support. The spokesperson emphasized the commitment to sustained growth and providing top-notch food offerings to customers.
The company affirmed, “We are delighted with our continuous growth fueled by the increasing appetite for nutritious, high-quality food and the backing of the communities we cater to. We will persist in our purpose-driven growth strategy and dedication to enhancing access to wholesome food.”