Cost of living: Oldham business forced to keep doors open on Queen’s funeral

Firms across the borough, like the rest of the UK, closed for the day of the Queen’s funeral.

Tommyfield Market was entirely shut, with big names like KFC and McDonald’s not opening until later in the day.

Boots kept its pharmacy open, but the rest of the shop was shut – with a maximum of three allowed in the store at any time.

Big names supermarkets like Sainsbury’s also chose to shut their doors – with some smaller stores opening at 5pm.

However, not all businesses could afford to take a hit to their revenue.

As well as many pubs keeping their doors open to allow people to come together for the funeral, some shops in Oldham decided not to shut.

Among a few shops that did remain open was Tommyfield Superstore, on Henshaw Street.

Many people could be seen shopping in the store before the funeral started, as well as in some shops nearby, like Cunninghams.

A cat walking up to camera outside Tommyfield Superstore on Monday (Image: Jack Fifield, Newsquest)

Manager of the shop Mr Khan, who did not wish to be photographed, spoke to The Oldham Times.

Mr Khan, who describes himself as a royalist, said: “The main reason for remaining open was a financial decision.

“It’s been a tough year, we just can’t afford to close – it’s been a tough time.

“As a shop we provide a service for the local community as well, which is an overriding concern as well.

“Most of the town centre was shut over Covid, we didn’t shut for a day providing a service and people were grateful.

“My respects to the Royal family and King Charles, but life has to go on.

“I respect the Queen, the Royal family is an institution – everybody around the world recognises the Royal family – the Queen is a good woman.”