Smyths Toys is closing all of its stores across England early today to mark the World Cup semi-final.
The retailer said all England branches will shut at 6pm today (July 15) to allow staff to watch the match.
England face Argentina this evening for a place in their first World Cup final since 1966.
The winner of the game will play Spain this weekend, after they beat France 2-0 yesterday (July 14).
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A post shared by Smyths Toys Superstores (@smythstoys)
A post shared by Smyths Toys Superstores (@smythstoys)
Smyths closing England stores early for World Cup semi-final
A statement shared by Smyths said: “All Smyths Toys stores in England will close at 6pm on Wednesday, 15th July, giving everyone plenty of time to get home for the England World Cup game.
“Enjoy The Game!”
Shoppers were full of praise for the retailer, with one commenting: “Now this what a business should be all be about, being considerate for there [sic] employees.”
Another said: “And this is why I applied to work here.
“They care for their workers.”
A third added: “Amazing way to treat your employees!”
Smyths has more than 100 locations across the country that will shut.
It is not the only retailer that will see its opening hours change due to the World Cup.
SCS Sofas said that all of its poltronesofà stores are closing at 7pm today for the semi-final.
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A post shared by poltronesofa_uk (@scssofas)
Meanwhile, if England reaches the World Cup final, Tesco will close its Express stores across England at 7.30pm, instead of the usual 10pm or 11pm.
This is to allow colleagues to watch the match, which kicks off at 8pm.
Express stores will still be open as normal during the daytime, so fans can stock up on pre-match supplies.
Customers needing last-minute essentials will also still be able to place orders with Whoosh until 11pm.
All online Grocery Home Shopping orders already placed for Sunday evening will be honoured and delivered as normal.
If England doesn’t reach the final, stores will open and close at their normal times.
Stores in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will continue to remain open in line with their usual hours.
When is the World Cup final?
The World Cup final is on Sunday (July 19) at 8pm and will air on both BBC One and ITV1.
Spain will play the winner of England vs Argentina.
There will be a third/fourth-place playoff game on Saturday (July 18) at 10pm UK time, with the loser of tonight’s game playing France.
Who do you think will win the World Cup? Let us know in the comments.
