Look, I’ve been burned by this before. I once drove 20 minutes to a mall that was dead silent. The parking lot was empty. The doors were locked. A seagull laughed at me. True story.
So here’s my advice: Google it. Every store’s website has holiday hours. Or call ahead—if you’re that brave. I’m not. I just accept my fate and eat another piece of fruitcake.
And if everything is closed? Don’t panic. Take a walk. Watch a movie. Or—and this is radical—spend the day relaxing. You’ve earned it. The shops aren’t going anywhere. Well, except for the ones that close on Boxing Day. Those are definitely staying put.
So, to sum up: Yes, some shops are open. No, not all of them. Yes, you need a plan. And no, you should never trust a seagull. Now go enjoy the day—with or without a bargain.
