Gail’s bakery chain has officially announced that ten of its locations will be open for business on Christmas Day. Additionally, the company disclosed that customers visiting these bakeries on December 25 will receive complimentary mince pies. All Gail’s bakeries will maintain regular operating hours on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day.
Through a social media post on Instagram, Gail’s extended an invitation to those out and about on Christmas Day to visit their open bakeries for a relaxing morning with coffee, bread, and friendly faces. The post emphasized the gesture of offering free mince pies to patrons spending time at the bakery, as a token of appreciation while supplies last.
Amidst expansion plans, Gail’s intends to launch 40 new stores in England, extending beyond London. The chain recently debuted 36 cafes in the previous financial year, including its first ventures in the south west of England. The upcoming 40 stores are scheduled to open by the end of February 2026.
Financially, Gail’s reported a sales increase to £278 million for the fiscal year ending in February 2025, marking a growth of approximately 20% compared to the prior year. However, pre-tax losses escalated to £7.8 million, attributed to business expenses and staff costs related to store openings.
By February’s end, Gail’s employed over 4,000 staff members, reflecting an increase of around 500 from the previous year due to recruitment efforts. The company’s wholesale segment supplies baked goods to various supermarkets like Waitrose and Ocado, alongside its retail bakery operations.
Gail’s sourdough loaves are priced starting from approximately £4.80, with the company highlighting the retail division as the faster-growing and more profitable sector. Recognizing the competitive market landscape, Gail’s emphasized the importance of consistently delivering innovative, high-quality food within inviting local bakeries.
A company spokesperson expressed satisfaction with the strong year-on-year growth, attributing it to heightened demand for nutritious, quality food and community support. The spokesperson affirmed Gail’s commitment to purposeful growth and enhancing access to wholesome food offerings.