Lidl has confirmed its stores will remain open throughout the late May bank holiday weekend but with some adjusted opening hours on the bank holiday itself. Shoppers are advised to plan their visits carefully as Friday is expected to be the busiest shopping day.
The supermarket chain’s announcement comes as it continues its ambitious expansion across the UK, unveiling plans to open numerous new locations this year. The adjusted hours and increased store footprint reflect Lidl’s efforts to balance customer convenience with operational demands during peak periods.
Adjusted Opening Hours for the Bank Holiday Weekend
According to Lidl, stores will open at 7am and close at 10pm on Friday, 23 May, which it anticipates will be the busiest day of the bank holiday weekend. Shoppers seeking a quieter experience are encouraged to visit between 8am and 10am or after 6pm. Saturday hours remain unchanged, with stores operating from 7am until 10pm.
On Sunday, stores will comply with Sunday trading laws, limiting opening hours to six hours between 10am and 5pm. Some locations open slightly earlier to allow browsing before trading officially begins. For the bank holiday itself, Monday 26 May, most Lidl stores will open at 7am, although some will open at 8am, with closing times around 10pm.
The company warns that opening hours may vary by location, especially stores situated in shopping centres, which may close earlier. Customers are advised to check individual store times using Lidl’s online store locator.
Ongoing Expansion Highlights Growth Strategy
Lidl’s bank holiday announcement coincides with its recent publication of a 2025 site requirements brochure. According to Lidl, the document lists hundreds of potential sites across England, Scotland, and Wales, including high streets, retail parks, and mixed-use town centres, indicating a significant expansion plan.
The supermarket revealed it is on track to open 40 new stores this financial year as part of an investment programme totalling £500 million.
This follows the opening of four new stores in February at locations including Canning Town, Preston, Walsall, and Wombourne. Additionally, Lidl upgraded five existing stores in Blantyre, Cwmbran, Oldbrook, Wells, and West Ealing during the same period.
Lidl aims to reach 1,100 UK stores by the end of 2025, signalling an aggressive push to increase market share in the competitive supermarket sector. This expansion reflects a broader trend among retailers preparing for shifting consumer patterns and the need to maintain accessibility during busy shopping periods.
By informing shoppers about revised bank holiday hours and highlighting ongoing growth, Lidl positions itself as a responsive and forward-looking retailer navigating the challenges of customer demand and operational efficiency.
