Tesco set for 24-hour Sundays during Olympics

Tesco will open 200 of its biggest stores for up to 24 hours on Sundays during the Olympics.

The move follows Asda’s confirmation last week that it would extend its opening hours over the period, including 24-hour opening for five stores near the Olympic Park.

From July 22, Tesco will open “the majority” of its 200 Extra shops around the clock, with opening hours at others also likely to be extended.

“We’ve listened to what our customers and our staff have told us about Sunday opening hours during the Games,” said a spokesman for the supermarket giant.

“They would like to see more flexibility, so we plan to open our stores across England and Wales for longer. Our Extra stores will be open for 24 hours, while Superstores and selected Metros will open for extended hours.

“We want to strike the right balance between making sure our staff can enjoy the events and giving our customers the convenience of shopping before or after the sporting action, as they can for the rest of the week.”

Asda last week said it was extending opening hours at its stores but the move has been publicly opposed by Sainsbury’s chief executive Justin King.