This Easter bank holiday weekend, shoppers across Wales and England are facing a familiar challenge: with large retail stores shuttered by law on Easter Sunday, many are scrambling to plan their DIY projects and essential purchases ahead of time. The closure, mandated on April 5, 2026, gives retail workers a well-earned day off to celebrate the festivities, but it also means that last-minute planners might be left in the lurch if they forget a crucial item for their home improvement plans, as reported by Wales Online.
All the big names—Wickes, B&Q, Dunelm, Home Bargains, B&M, and The Range—will be closed throughout Wales and England on Easter Sunday. According to Wales Online, this closure is not just a tradition, but a legal requirement, ensuring that thousands of retail workers can enjoy the holiday with their families. Home Bargains alone will be closing 560 branches, a testament to the scale of the annual shutdown.
However, not all is lost for those who realize, perhaps mid-Easter lunch, that they've run out of milk or need a last-minute supply. Smaller convenience stores like Tesco Express and Co-op locations are permitted to remain open on Easter Sunday, offering a lifeline for essential purchases. Still, shoppers are advised to check their local store's specific hours, as opening times can vary.
For those who have been looking forward to a spot of DIY this long weekend, the timing of these closures might feel inconvenient. But retailers have anticipated the rush, and some have sweetened the deal for early birds. B&Q, one of the UK’s most popular DIY chains, is running a substantial bank holiday sale until April 20, 2026, as highlighted by Yahoo and The Mirror. The sale includes a much-touted 3-for-2 deal on Lick paints, a brand that’s become a favorite among home renovators for its rich colors and durable finish.
The Lick paint promotion is drawing particular attention, especially for shades like Beige 02, Pink 05, and Green 18 Matt Emulsion. Homeowners looking to refresh a tired bedroom, liven up a living room, or prepare a nursery will find this an ideal time to stock up. According to The Mirror, the deal works simply: buy two pots and get a third free, a tempting offer for anyone planning a larger project.
But why all the fuss over Lick paints? Customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. One reviewer shared, “Lovely warm green colour, paint has nice surface. Needed only two coats and went on smoothly. Room transformed, a large high-ceilinged room now feels cosier and the colour suits period property. We will use the room more now it looks inviting.” Another customer, reviewing the Pink 05 Matt Emulsion, raved, “Smashed it again...the best paint we have EVER used!” A third added, “An absolute dream. Colour swatches were accurate and the paint itself went on so smooth. I didn’t use half as much as I thought I’d need—two coats and it’s perfect.”
Of course, not every review is glowing. One shopper found the coverage of Lick’s Green 09 shade “uneven,” though another praised the Beige 02 for its easy application and fast drying, noting, “Great coverage goes really far, colour looks great.” These candid customer perspectives add a bit of balance for those weighing their options.
B&Q’s sale isn’t limited to paint. For the practical DIYer, there are discounts on tools and accessories that might just make the difference in a weekend project. The Evolution 1500W 240V 210mm Corded Sliding mitre saw, for instance, is now £115, down from £157. The Ryobi ONE+ 18V Li-ion Brushed Cordless Combi drill (which comes with two 1.5Ah batteries) has been reduced to £80 from £95. For those looking to spruce up their garden or finish woodwork, Ronseal’s Diamond hard Clear Satin Skirting Wood varnish is priced at £18, and the brand’s Ultimate protection Country oak Matt Decking Wood stain 2.5L is available for £35.
Other retailers are also getting in on the action. Dunelm, for example, is offering up to 20% off selected Matt Emulsion Paint colors. Their sage green, ideal for spring, has been reduced from £20 to £16 for a 2.5L pot. For those with a taste for luxury, Farrow and Ball’s Green Smoke paint, described on the retailer’s website as a “smoky green blue” that brings a “calm and serene” feel to interiors, is currently priced at £59 for 2.5L.
Despite the excitement around these deals, the reality is that all of these large retailers—B&Q, Dunelm, Wickes, Home Bargains, B&M, and The Range—will be closed on Easter Sunday itself, reopening on Easter Monday, April 6, 2026. That means anyone hoping to take advantage of the sales or pick up supplies for an Easter Sunday project will need to plan ahead. As Wales Online points out, “if you’ve forgotten something from your weekly shop you may have to miss out.”
Still, the closure is generally welcomed by retail workers, who get a rare and much-needed break. With the pace of modern retail often relentless, Easter Sunday offers a pause—a chance for staff to rest, recharge, and spend time with loved ones. For shoppers, it’s a reminder to check their lists twice and perhaps embrace a slower pace, at least for one day.
For those determined to keep their DIY ambitions on track, planning is essential. The sales and discounts will still be there come Easter Monday, and with B&Q’s special offers running until April 20, there’s ample time to take advantage of the deals. Whether you’re eyeing a new coat of paint, a power tool upgrade, or just a few garden supplies, a little foresight will go a long way.
So, as the Easter weekend begins, shoppers across Wales and England are balancing tradition with practicality—enjoying a day of rest, making the most of family time, and plotting their next home improvement project. With a bit of planning, everyone can have their cake (or chocolate egg) and eat it too, all while looking forward to a refreshed home in the weeks to come.