Easter weekend is set to disrupt usual shopping routines across the UK, as multiple supermarket chains adjust their trading schedules in response to national holidays.
Shoppers can expect a wave of supermarkets closing their doors on Easter Sunday, particularly in England and Wales, in line with local trading regulations.
In addition, many stores will operate under reduced hours on Good Friday and Easter Monday, which are both recognized as bank holidays.
According to Manchester Evening News, these changes will impact most major retailers including Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, and Aldi, prompting recommendations for early shopping ahead of the holiday.
Most Stores to Close On Easter Sunday in England and Wales
In line with trading laws in England and Wales, the majority of large supermarkets, including Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Aldi, Sainsbury’s, Lidl, and Waitrose, will be closed on Sunday, April 20. These closures do not apply in Scotland, where stores are generally allowed to remain open.
The original guidance notes that
The majority of stores that are expected to close on Easter Sunday in England and Wales are likely to remain open in Scotland.
Supermarkets across the country are expected to adopt reduced opening hours on Good Friday (April 18) and Easter Monday (April 21). While most will remain open on those days, operating hours will often be adjusted.
For example, Asda, Morrisons, and Sainsbury’s stores will typically open from 7am to 10pm on those days, while Aldi will operate from 8am to 10pm on Friday and Saturday, then reduce to 8am to 8pm on Monday.
Store-Specific Easter Weekend Plans
Tesco
Due to the variety of Tesco store formats, Easter trading times differ. The report notes :
All bigger stores are expected to close on Easter Sunday, with potentially reduced operating hours on Easter Monday.
Large Tesco Extra stores may shut early on Good Friday, while Tesco Express and Metro stores are likely to remain open with possible adjustments.
Sainsbury’s
Most Sainsbury’s stores will open from 7am to 10pm on Good Friday and Saturday. On Easter Sunday, many larger stores will close, but the source notes :
Some smaller ones will be open from 7am to 10pm.
Operating hours may also vary on Easter Monday, and customers are advised to check online locators.
Aldi
Aldi stores will be closed on Easter Sunday in England and Wales, open from 8am to 10pm on Good Friday and Saturday, and operate with reduced hours on Monday (8am to 8pm).
Lidl
Lidl branches are expected to keep normal hours on Good Friday and Saturday, but will close on Easter Sunday. As with others, Monday may involve slightly reduced hours.
Asda
Asda stores are scheduled to be open from 7am to 10pm on Good Friday, Saturday, and Easter Monday, while being closed on Easter Sunday.
Morrisons
Morrisons stores will follow a schedule of 7am to 10pm on Friday and Saturday, with closures on Easter Sunday and a reduced 7am to 8pm schedule on Monday.
Co-op
British law does not require smaller shops to close on Easter Sunday, and this affects Co-op policies directly.
Due to British laws, smaller Co-op stores are not obliged to close their doors over the Easter period while the larger ones are.
Despite that, some smaller stores may voluntarily reduce hours. Customers are advised to use the Co-op store finder for accurate local times.
Waitrose
Waitrose locations are expected to operate 8am to 8pm on Good Friday and Easter Monday, follow normal hours on Saturday, and close on Easter Sunday.
Store hours may differ based on location and format. For example, small urban branches may remain open while larger suburban stores may fully close.
Customers are encouraged to consult individual store locators for precise opening hours. These tools are available via each brand’s website.