Gail’s bakery chain has officially announced that ten of its branches will remain open for business on Christmas Day. As a special treat, the upscale bakery will be giving away complimentary mince pies to customers who visit these select locations on December 25. Additionally, all Gail’s bakeries will operate normally on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day.
In a recent Instagram post, Gail’s expressed, “For those out and about on Christmas Day, some of our bakeries will be welcoming guests. Whether you need a coffee, a freshly baked loaf, or just a familiar face on a tranquil morning.” The post also mentioned that patrons stopping by will receive a free mince pie as a token of appreciation for spending part of their day at Gail’s, while supplies last.
With plans to expand its presence, Gail’s intends to open 40 new stores in England, with a focus on locations beyond London. In the previous financial year, the bakery chain launched 36 cafes, including its first establishments in the southwest of England. The upcoming 40 stores are slated to be operational by the end of February 2026.
Financially, Gail’s reported a revenue of £278 million for the year ending in February 2025, marking a 20% increase from the previous year. However, pre-tax losses rose to £7.8 million, up from £7.4 million, primarily due to business expenses and staffing costs related to store expansions.
As of February, Gail’s employed over 4,000 individuals, reflecting a growth of approximately 500 staff members compared to the previous year, following a recruitment campaign. The bakery chain also has a wholesale division that supplies baked goods to various retailers, including supermarkets like Waitrose and Ocado.
Offering sourdough loaves starting at around £4.80, Gail’s stated that its retail segment, comprising its bakeries, is the fastest-growing and most profitable sector within the company. The company emphasized the importance of providing top-quality, innovative food in appealing neighborhood bakery settings to sustain growth in a competitive market.
A company spokesperson remarked, “We are thrilled with our strong year-on-year progress, driven by the rising demand for high-quality, nutrient-rich food and the support of the communities we serve. We remain dedicated to expanding purposefully and enhancing access to quality food.”