As Easter approaches, one of the UK’s largest retail chains, Home Bargains, has confirmed a significant closure of 560 of its stores on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026. Known for its discount pricing and wide range of products, the chain will temporarily shut down a large portion of its shops, giving staff a well-deserved break. This move comes as part of the company’s commitment to respecting the Sunday Trading Act 1994, which mandates closures for larger stores on certain public holidays, including Easter Sunday. According to Daily Express, only stores in Scotland will remain open during this time, while the rest of the UK will observe a day of closure.
What Is Behind the 560 Store Closures?
Home Bargains operates 630 stores nationwide, and this move will affect 560 locations. The closure is in line with legal requirements under the Sunday Trading Act of 1994. The law dictates that stores larger than 280 square meters must shut down on Easter Sunday. As a result, only smaller stores or those with specific exemptions, such as those located in airports or service stations, will remain open. Home Bargains’ decision to close a majority of its branches on Easter Sunday is a direct response to this regulation, ensuring its compliance while giving employees the chance to rest during the holiday.
“For Easter Sunday, the company said: ‘Our stores in Scotland will open as usual; however, all of our other stores will be closed,'” a spokesperson confirmed to the Daily Express. This approach highlights the chain’s strategy to balance legal obligations with its commitment to staff welfare, particularly during key holidays like Easter. The closures are expected to provide a brief but much-needed respite for the thousands of employees working across the chain’s outlets.
The Sunday Trading Act and Its Impact on UK Retailers
The Sunday Trading Act was introduced to ensure that workers in large retail establishments are granted a break on Sundays, especially during public holidays. It sets clear rules for store openings, requiring large shops to close on specific days such as Easter Sunday, Christmas Day, and others. This piece of legislation is designed to strike a balance between the needs of consumers and the rights of workers, ensuring that they have time off to spend with their families.
Smaller stores, however, remain exempt from this rule. Home Bargains, like many other retailers, must navigate this law while ensuring the best possible service to customers. In Scotland, where the law does not mandate the same closures, Home Bargains will continue its operations as normal, with all 70 stores in the region open during the holiday. This exception highlights the differences in legal requirements between different parts of the UK and the challenges faced by national retailers trying to maintain consistent operations across borders.
Home Bargains’ Expansion Plans Amidst Store Closures
Despite the temporary shutdowns, Home Bargains has shown significant growth in recent years. From 594 stores in 2023 to 630 by the end of 2024, the retailer is on a path to further expansion, with aspirations of reaching between 800 and 1,000 stores in the coming years. This rapid growth places Home Bargains in a strong position within the UK’s competitive retail sector.
The company, which employs around 28,000 staff, continues to thrive despite challenges such as mandatory closures during public holidays. The closures on Easter Sunday will not impact the company’s ongoing expansion plans, as it maintains a strong presence in key markets across the UK, particularly in the North West. The retailer’s ability to adapt to the changing landscape of UK retail laws, while continuing to grow its footprint, speaks to its resilience and foresight in an ever-evolving market.
