Google is once again revamping its Maps and Search platforms, adding functionality to make the services more useful for consumers – especially those doing a little holiday shopping. 

Google announced today that it would add holiday hours to Google Maps and Google Search results.

“When you search for a business and a major holiday is within the next seven days, you’ll see whether the business has a special holiday schedule,” the company said in a blog post. “Not only will you avoid showing up to find the doors locked, but you’ll save time by not having to call the business or check the website for hours.”

While the new information can no doubt be helpful for time-strapped shoppers, it’s not foolproof.

The results will only show times if the company already lists its holiday hours. If the company doesn’t post the time it is open during holidays, the Google Search and Maps results will include a warning message alerting you that the actual hours may be different.

On a holiday, users who search categories – like bakery or coffee shop on the Google Maps app – simply need to tap on the “Open Now” filter to see what’s open in their area.

“Because holiday hours and warnings are available globally, if you happen to be celebrating Boxing Day in the UK or New Year’s Eve in Sweden, you’ll see info specific to the country you’re in,” the company said.

[via The Verge]

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