Easter weekend is approaching, and a last-minute realization – a forgotten chocolate egg, a missing ingredient for a festive meal – can quickly disrupt the holiday cheer. But don't despair; navigating supermarket opening hours over the Easter period doesn't have to be a stressful scramble.
Across the UK, retailers are adopting varied approaches. Many of the larger supermarkets will observe a full closure on Easter Sunday, offering staff a well-deserved day off. However, smaller convenience stores and those in certain regions will remain open, providing a lifeline for urgent needs.
Lidl plans to operate normally on Good Friday, but will close all English and Welsh branches on Easter Sunday. Scottish locations will remain open. On Easter Monday, stores outside London will operate from 8am to 8pm, while those within the capital and across Scotland will maintain regular hours.
Marks & Spencer’s schedule is store-specific. While many larger stores will be closed on Easter Sunday, smaller shops are likely to operate as usual or with reduced hours. Checking your local store’s listing is the best way to confirm.
Tesco’s larger stores will close earlier than usual on both Good Friday and Easter Monday, with a complete shutdown on Easter Sunday. Fortunately, Tesco Express stores will remain open throughout the entire Easter period, offering consistent access to essentials.
Aldi will be closed on Easter Sunday, and may operate with reduced hours on Good Friday and Easter Monday. It’s advisable to check the opening and closing times for your specific Aldi location.
Morrisons’ larger stores will also close early on Good Friday and Easter Monday, and will be entirely closed on Easter Sunday. However, their smaller Daily shops will maintain normal operating hours, providing a convenient option for shoppers.
Sainsbury’s opening times are also variable. Sainsbury’s Local stores will generally remain open, with a few exceptions closing on Easter Sunday. Larger stores will be closed on Easter Sunday and may close early on Easter Monday. Confirming times for your local branch is recommended.
The Co-op is taking a more consistent approach, with the majority of its stores remaining open as normal throughout the Easter period, including some operating 24 hours. Weekend closures will follow their usual schedules.
Asda’s large stores will be closed on Easter Sunday, but will operate as normal on Good Friday, Saturday, and Easter Monday. Asda Express Petrol stations will remain open 24 hours, while regular Express shops will follow their standard hours.
Waitrose will largely mirror the pattern of other major supermarkets, with most large stores closed on Easter Sunday. Smaller shops may remain open with reduced hours. Checking your local branch is crucial for accurate information.
