Asda has confirmed that all 1,100 stores across the UK will close for 24 hours this Easter Sunday. This follows UK legislation that mandates the closure of large stores, those over 280 square meters, on certain holidays. The closure will take place on Easter Sunday, with all stores reopening on Easter Monday. As reported by The Sun, customers are urged to plan ahead as they will not be able to shop in-store on Easter Sunday, but they can visit again on Easter Monday.
The Easter Sunday Trading Laws
The Sunday Trading Act 1994 limits the opening hours of shops in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland on Sundays. Stores larger than 280 square meters are required to close on specific holidays such as Easter Sunday and Christmas Day. The legislation was originally introduced to allow workers in retail to spend time with family and to prevent large chains from dominating the retail market on these important holidays. While smaller shops under 280 square meters are not subject to these restrictions, supermarkets like Asda are legally required to shut their doors on Easter Sunday.
This restriction is not applied in Scotland, where supermarkets can remain open on Easter Sunday without any legal limitations. As such, Asda stores in Scotland will operate as usual throughout the Easter weekend, with no change in their Sunday trading hours. However, for the rest of the UK, the Easter Sunday closure is a requirement that affects both large supermarkets and other retail stores above the 280-square-metre threshold.
What You Need to Know About Asda’s Easter Hours
While Asda will be closed for 24 hours on Easter Sunday, stores will open on Good Friday and Easter Monday at their usual times. On Good Friday, stores will open from 7 AM to 7 PM. After Easter Sunday’s closure, Asda stores will reopen on Easter Monday, resuming operations from 7 AM to 7 PM. These revised hours give shoppers plenty of time to get their Easter essentials, including Easter eggs, food for holiday meals, and other necessities.
In Northern Ireland, the hours are slightly different. Asda stores will be closed on Easter Sunday, but they will be open on Good Friday, Easter Saturday, and Easter Monday from 7 AM to 10 PM. For customers unsure of their local store’s exact hours, Asda encourages checking its official website or using the store locator tool in the Asda app.
