Primark, the popular budget clothing retailer, has announced that it will close all of its stores across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland for more than 24 hours over the upcoming Easter weekend in 2026. The closure, which will occur on Easter Sunday, April 5, is in line with the Sunday Trading Act 1994, a piece of legislation that requires large shops—those over 280 square metres—to close on this particular day. This means that nearly all of Primark’s 190 UK stores will be affected, with only branches in Scotland remaining open.
For shoppers who have grown accustomed to Primark’s seven-day-a-week schedule, the news might come as a surprise. According to The Sun, a Primark spokesperson explained, “On Easter Sunday only stores in Scotland will be open and all stores in England, Wales and Northern Ireland will be closed.” The company has also advised customers to check the opening hours of their local branches, as some stores may operate different hours over the Easter weekend.
The Sunday Trading Act 1994 is at the heart of this temporary shutdown. As outlined by government documents and echoed in reports from Express and GB News, the act stipulates that large shops in England and Wales must close on Easter Sunday. The law’s purpose is to provide a day of rest and family time, and, as a result, large retailers like Primark are legally obliged to comply. While smaller shops under 280 square metres, airport and railway station outlets, service stations, and registered pharmacies can remain open, the vast majority of Primark stores exceed the size threshold and must close their doors.
Scotland, however, stands apart. There are no equivalent restrictions to the Sunday Trading Act 1994 north of the border, so Scottish Primark stores will remain open as usual on Easter Sunday. This exemption highlights the patchwork nature of trading regulations across the UK, with Northern Ireland having its own set of similar, but not identical, rules.
Primark’s closure over Easter is not an isolated event. Other major retailers, such as Waitrose and Home Bargains, will also close most of their branches on Easter Sunday, giving staff across the sector a well-deserved break. According to Express, Waitrose will shut over 350 stores and Home Bargains will close 560 of its 630 branches, with only Scottish stores remaining open. This coordinated pause in retail activity is a significant moment in the UK’s high street calendar, affecting millions of shoppers and thousands of employees.
The closures will begin on the evening of Saturday, April 4, with most Primark stores expected to shut their doors at 10pm. They will remain closed throughout Easter Sunday and reopen at 8am on Easter Monday, April 6. For example, the flagship Oxford Street Primark store in London will operate from 8am to 10pm on both Good Friday and the preceding Saturday, then close from 10pm Saturday until reopening at 8am Monday. The Liverpool branch will close at 8pm on Saturday and reopen at 9am on Easter Monday, while the Southport store will close at 6pm Saturday and also reopen at 9am Monday. As Liverpool Echo and Yorkshire Post have noted, customers are encouraged to check their local store’s opening hours, as they may vary from branch to branch.
For shoppers in Yorkshire and other regions, the message is clear: plan ahead. With all Primark stores in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland shutting for more than 24 hours, those hoping for last-minute Easter outfits or bargains will need to visit before Saturday night or wait until Monday morning. The closure is expected to impact the usual flow of foot traffic on high streets and in shopping centres, as Primark is a key anchor tenant in many locations.
Primark’s spokesperson reiterated the company’s position, stating, “Primark stores across the UK will be open across the Easter weekend, however on Easter Sunday only stores in Scotland will be open and all stores in England, Wales and Northern Ireland will be closed. Stores may also be operating different hours to normal, so we recommend that customers check our website for their local store opening times before visiting to avoid disappointment.” This advice is particularly relevant given the varying schedules of individual branches and the potential for confusion among shoppers.
While the closure will be a temporary inconvenience for customers, it offers a rare opportunity for Primark’s staff to enjoy a guaranteed day off. As highlighted by Express, the day of rest is welcomed by many employees, especially in a sector known for its demanding hours. The move also aligns with the broader industry trend of prioritizing staff well-being during major holidays.
In the midst of these closures, Primark is also preparing for expansion. The retailer has announced the opening of a new 44,000 square foot store in the former House of Fraser unit at the Ashley Centre in Epsom, set to launch on March 25, 2026. According to The Sun, the opening day will feature music and promises to bring new jobs to the local community. This development underscores Primark’s continued growth and investment in the UK market, even as it navigates the challenges of trading regulations and shifting consumer habits.
For context, Primark opened its first British store in 1974 and has since become a staple of the UK high street, known for its affordable clothing, homeware, and more. With around 190 stores nationwide—including 160 in England alone—the brand plays a significant role in the country’s retail landscape. Its decision to comply fully with the Sunday Trading Act 1994 reflects both legal necessity and a recognition of the importance of tradition and family time during the Easter holiday.
The Easter Sunday trading restrictions have long been a subject of debate in the UK. Supporters argue that the rules preserve a valuable respite from the relentless pace of modern retail, giving both workers and the public a chance to pause. Critics, however, contend that the regulations are outdated and restrict consumer choice, particularly in an era when online shopping is available around the clock. For now, though, the law remains unchanged, and retailers like Primark must abide by its terms.
For shoppers, the key takeaway is to plan ahead—especially if a trip to Primark is on the Easter weekend agenda. With closures spanning more than 24 hours in most of the UK, and only Scottish stores open on Easter Sunday, it’s wise to double-check local opening times and make any necessary purchases in advance. As Primark’s spokesperson put it, “Stores may also be operating different hours to normal, so we recommend that customers check our website for their local store opening times before visiting to avoid disappointment.”
As Easter approaches, the temporary closure of Primark and other major retailers serves as a reminder of the unique blend of tradition, law, and commerce that shapes the UK’s shopping habits each spring.