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    • It’s the only Tesco with a golden rule – but shoppers are furious it’s changing
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    It’s the only Tesco with a golden rule – but shoppers are furious it’s changing

    Umito Posted on


    Tesco store front
    Tesco faced backlash following the decision (Photo: Getty Images)

    TESCO is the UK’s largest supermarket, with almost 2,000 stores nationwide.

    With some locations operating 24/7, no matter the time or day, you’ll likely find a TESCO open – but there is a clear exception.

    Head north (and we mean path north) towards the Outer Hebridesa group of islands in the Atlantic Ocean, about 40 miles from the mainland Scotland.

    This is where you’ll find Stornoway, on the Isle of Lewis, home to the only Tesco in their vast retail empire that doesn’t open on Sundays.

    The town, which has a population of approximately 7,000, has a long tradition of observing the Sabbath day.

    The community has strong religious affiliations, and many Presbyterian islanders believe that Sunday should be a day of rest, as stated in one of the 10 commandments.


    The entrance to the pedestrianized Old Town on Point Street, with the tower of Martin's Memorial Church behind, in the seaside village of Stornoway, Scotland.
    Stornoway is a deeply religious town (Photo: Getty Images)

    The town’s only other supermarket, a Coop, is also closed on Sunday, as are municipally-run facilities such as swimming pools and playgrounds. Although the rules have relaxed, restaurants and pubs, as well as gas stations, are now also open.

    It was not until 2002 that a commercial flight was able to land at Stornoway Airport on a Sunday and in 2009, when the first ferry left the island for the mainland on a Sunday, a small protest group is gathered together, singing hymns and reading psalms. .

    But despite objections, Tesco is pressing ahead with its plans. The local council has come out in favor of the new opening hours, and Tesco will open its store in Stornoway for the first time this Sunday, November 17, from 12pm to 8pm.

    However, some residents are not backing down.

    An online petition against the move has garnered 2,039 signatures and you’ll see “Keep Sunday Special” banners hanging all over the city.

    A protest meeting was held in the presence of 200 people – although no Tesco representatives were part of it – and the religious islands boycotted the store completely, in favor of Coop.

    Road to Stornoway

    The Outer Hebrides are around 40 miles from mainland Scotland (Photo: Getty Images)

    Christian Davies, Tesco’s Highlands and Islands store director, previously said: “We are confident that the decision to open our Stornoway supermarket on Sundays will allow us to balance the demand for seven day openings while still remaining respectful of local traditions and culture. .’

    A statement from Tesco also said: “Since opening in 2008, Stornoway Superstore has been closed between 10pm on Saturday evening and 6am on the following Monday.

    “It is hoped that opening on Sunday will allow customers to have more flexibility in accessing fresh produce and groceries and will ease pressure on traditionally busier shopping days due to current operations of six days.”

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