Shoppers across the West Midlands are being urged to plan ahead as the region's major retail centres adjust their opening hours for the New Year period. The changes will allow hardworking staff to celebrate the start of 2026 with their families, while also giving bargain hunters a chance to hit the post-Christmas sales.
Key Changes for New Year's Eve and Day
This year, New Year's Eve falls on a Wednesday, December 31. Most shopping centres will be closing earlier than usual on this day. New Year's Day, Thursday, January 1, is a bank holiday, which will see significantly reduced hours at many complexes, with some choosing to remain closed entirely.
It is crucial to note that individual store hours may differ from the overall centre's schedule. Visitors are advised to check directly with specific shops before making a trip.
Detailed Opening Hours Guide
Here is a comprehensive list of the opening times for major shopping destinations from Monday, December 29, to Friday, January 2.
Bullring & Grand Central: Both centres will operate from 10am to 8pm on December 29, 30, and January 2. On New Year's Eve, they open at 9am and close at 6pm. For New Year's Day, hours are 10am to 7pm.
Merry Hill: Open 9am to 9pm on December 29, 30, and January 2. On December 31, it closes at 6pm (from 9am). On January 1, it opens later at 11am and closes at 5pm.
The Fort: Hours are 9.30am to 8pm on December 29, 30, and January 2. It opens at 9am on both December 31 and January 1, closing at 6pm on both days.
Resorts World Birmingham: Open 10am to 7pm on December 29, 30, and January 2. On New Year's Eve, it closes at 4pm, and on New Year's Day, it opens from 11am to 5pm.
Touchwood Solihull: Open 9.30am to 6pm on December 29, 30, and January 2. It closes at 5pm on December 31. The centre will be closed on New Year's Day, though its cinema and restaurants will remain open.
New Square, West Bromwich: Maintains 9am to 7pm hours from December 29 to 31 and on January 2. On January 1, it is open from 11am to 5pm.
Mander Centre, Wolverhampton: Open 9am to 5.30pm on December 29, 30, and January 2. It closes at 4pm on December 31 and will be fully closed on New Year's Day.
Telford Centre: Operates from 9am to 6pm on December 29, 30, 31, and January 2. It will be closed on New Year's Day.
McArthurGlen Designer Outlet West Midlands: Open 10am to 8pm on December 29 and 30. On New Year's Eve, hours are 9am to 5pm. On New Year's Day, it is open 9am to 5pm, and on January 2, from 9am to 9pm.
Planning Your Shopping Trip
With varied schedules across the region, checking these times before you travel is essential to avoid disappointment. The earlier closures on New Year's Eve reflect a widespread effort to thank retail staff, while the sales on New Year's Day present a prime opportunity for savvy shoppers. Always verify the latest information with your chosen destination directly.
