Gail’s bakery chain has announced that ten of its outlets will be open for business on Christmas Day. Customers visiting these locations on December 25 will receive complimentary mince pies. Additionally, all Gail’s bakeries will maintain regular operating hours on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day.
In a social media post on Instagram, Gail’s stated, “If you find yourself out and about on Christmas Day, some of our bakeries will be welcoming guests. A spot to enjoy a coffee, grab a loaf, or simply see a familiar face on a serene morning. And as a token of appreciation, we’ll be offering a free mince pie to anyone spending part of their day with us (while supplies last).”
Recognizing diverse ways of celebrating the holiday season, Gail’s emphasized that their teams make decisions based on what suits them best each year.
The bakery chain’s expansion plans include opening 40 new stores in England, with a focus on locations outside London. Gail’s successfully launched 36 cafes in the previous financial year, including the first establishments in the south west of England. The upcoming 40 stores are expected to be operational by the end of February 2026.
Financial reports revealed that Gail’s achieved sales of £278 million in the fiscal year ending February 2025, representing a 20% increase from the previous year. However, pre-tax losses rose to £7.8 million, up from £7.4 million, attributed to business expenses and staff costs related to store openings.
Gail’s workforce grew to over 4,000 employees by February, an increase of approximately 500 individuals compared to the previous year due to recruitment efforts. The company also operates a wholesale business that supplies baked goods to various stores and supermarkets like Waitrose and Ocado.
With prices for Gail’s sourdough loaf starting at around £4.80, the bakery chain highlighted its retail segment as the faster-growing and more profitable division within the organization. Emphasizing a commitment to offering innovative food in appealing neighborhood bakeries, Gail’s acknowledged the competitive market landscape and the necessity of providing top-notch food to foster growth.
A spokesperson commented, “We are delighted with our strong year-on-year growth driven by the rising demand for high-quality, nutrient-rich food and the support of the communities we serve. We aim to build on this positive momentum by expanding purposefully and enhancing access to quality food offerings.”