Gail’s bakery chain has officially announced that ten of its locations 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 operating hours on both Christmas Eve and Boxing Day.
Through a post on Instagram, Gail’s extended a warm invitation to those seeking a cozy spot on Christmas Day, emphasizing that some bakeries will be welcoming visitors. The gesture of a free mince pie is a token of gratitude for customers spending part of their day with Gail’s, available while supplies last.
The bakery chain unveiled plans to launch 40 new stores across England, with a focus on expanding beyond London. Following the opening of 36 cafes in the previous financial year, including the first establishments in the south west of England, Gail’s aims to establish the additional 40 stores by the end of February 2026.
Despite achieving a sales total of £278 million in the year ending February 2025, marking a 20% increase from the previous year, Gail’s experienced a rise in pre-tax losses to £7.8 million. The surge in losses was attributed to business expenses and staffing costs associated with store expansions.
With over 4,000 employees as of February, Gail’s bolstered its workforce by approximately 500 individuals through a recruitment drive. The bakery chain also operates a wholesale business that supplies baked goods to supermarkets like Waitrose and Ocado.
Gail’s signature sourdough loaf is priced starting at approximately £4.80. The company recognizes its retail arm, comprising the bakeries, as the faster-growing and more profitable segment of its operations. Gail’s emphasizes the importance of providing innovative, high-quality food in appealing neighborhood bakery settings to sustain growth in a competitive market.
A company spokesperson expressed satisfaction with the strong year-on-year growth, attributing it to the rising demand for nutritious, high-quality food and the support of local communities. The spokesperson affirmed Gail’s commitment to purposeful growth and enhancing access to top-notch food offerings.
