With Christmas behind us, Italian families are turning their attention to Santo Stefano, the day after Christmas, which often involves gathering for lunch or dinner. For many, this means ensuring their kitchens are stocked for any last-minute dishes. Yet, with varying policies among supermarket chains, the question arises: which grocery stores will remain open on this day?
Across the country, the availability of supermarkets on December 26 is varied, with many opting to close their doors to allow employees to spend time with family. Nevertheless, some chains decide to keep their stores accessible, albeit with reduced hours.
Families shopping in Olbia will find some supermarkets open, as the Spazio Conad locations at Terranova and Olbia Mare will operate, typically from 8 AM to 9 PM on regular days. For Santo Stefano, exact hours may vary, so checking individual stores' announcements is recommended.
Meanwhile, the Super Pan stores around Piazza Crispi and via Barcellona will also be open, though with reduced hours from 9 AM to 1:30 PM, and later from 4 PM to 8:30 PM at their Piazza Crispi location. Unfortunately, many Eurospin outlets as well as the MD store on via Bassi will not open their doors on Santo Stefano.
Shifting to Ancona, consumers will encounter tighter restrictions. Most Coop supermarkets will remain closed, as well as two Lidl locations. The Eurospin stores will open for half of the day, allowing patrons to stop by for essentials, and some Conad stores are making independent decisions based on local needs.
For those near the Famila store at Marina di Montemarciano, it will be closed both on Christmas Day and Santo Stefano, limiting options for shoppers. Meanwhile, at Penny stores, hours also fluctuate, with some stores advising customers to confirm opening times directly.
Moving to Padova, many are left questioning where to shop due to the sporadic hours. Notably, the Aldi locations plan to maintain operations from 9 AM to 8 PM. The larger base of supermarkets, such as Conad, has pledged to support the needs of its customers, stating, "Conad si impegna a garantire il miglior servizio possibile anche durante le festività natalizie," highlighting their commitment to keeping stores accessible during the festive period.
Other chains, like Esselunga and Coop, have opted for total closures, which raises the stakes for shoppers seeking groceries immediately after Christmas. Many Pam locations, though operating on reduced hours—often from 8 AM to 7 PM—are encouraging patrons to visit.
Consumers are advised to plan carefully for their shopping needs on Santo Stefano. It’s wise to call stores directly or check online to verify which locations will be open. After all, as one source aptly noted, "Il consiglio è sempre di fare una telefonata al proprio punto vendita prima di andare, perché ogni supermercato ha differenziato le aperture e gli orari"—advising on the variability of store hours is key. Being informed can save time and frustration on what is traditionally a busy shopping day.
Many larger cities like Rome will still have choices available, particularly where chains like Iper or small local markets might operate. Customers should look out for locally-tailored hours, as some Conad and other chains could provide unexpected accessibility during the holiday rush.
Finally, regardless of whether you may find open doors on the day after Christmas, it’s clear consumers must stay flexible and ready to adapt as they navigate through their holiday shopping lists. Whether planning for family gatherings or just running low on supplies, Santo Stefano offers both challenges and opportunities for those hoping to avoid the post-Christmas rush.
