As Easter Sunday approaches on April 20, 2025, shoppers in the North East of England face a mixed bag of options when it comes to retail. Due to UK trading laws, many major stores will be closed, but there are still some places where you can grab essentials or enjoy a bite to eat.
According to reports, many major retailers including Sainsbury's, Tesco, Asda, and Morrisons will shut their doors for 24 hours on Easter Sunday. This is due to legal regulations that prohibit shops larger than 280 square meters from opening on this holiday. The law applies specifically in England and Wales, meaning that stores in Scotland may have different operating hours.
For those needing to shop on Easter Sunday, Co-op stores in the North East will be open, albeit with reduced hours. They are a reliable option for picking up last-minute essentials such as milk or bread. Screwfix will also be available to DIY enthusiasts, with stores open from 9 am to 4 pm across the UK, including the North East.
Greggs, the beloved bakery chain known for its sausage rolls and pastries, will operate on Easter Sunday. Most of its branches will remain open during the holiday, especially smaller locations that do not fall under the size restrictions. This is a relief for many fans of the bakery, as they can still indulge in their favorite treats over the weekend.
However, larger Primark stores in Newcastle and Middlesbrough are expected to be closed on Easter Sunday. Some smaller city center branches might open on reduced hours on Easter Monday, April 21, but shoppers should verify this on the Primark website.
Other notable retailers that will be closed on Easter Sunday include B&M, Home Bargains, The Range, and Dunelm. These closures are also due to the same legal obligations that restrict larger shops from operating on this holiday. As reported by multiple sources, the Easter weekend is a popular time for shopping, and many people plan to update their wardrobes or tackle home improvement projects during the four-day break.
In terms of grocery shopping, the major supermarkets have specific hours for the Easter weekend. Tesco Extra and Superstores will be closed for 24 hours on Easter Sunday, but many Tesco Express locations will remain open. On Good Friday, April 18, Tesco will be open from 6 am to 10 pm, and on Easter Monday, April 21, they will open from 8 am to 6 pm.
Asda will also close its stores on Easter Sunday, following similar hours as Tesco. On Good Friday, Asda will open from 7 am to 10 pm, and on Easter Monday, the hours will be from 7 am to 10 pm as well.
Sainsbury's and Morrisons have announced that they will be closed on Easter Sunday too, with Sainsbury's operating from 7 am to 10 pm on Good Friday and Easter Monday. Morrisons will follow the same schedule. Aldi will close its doors on Easter Sunday as well, but it will be open from 8 am to 10 pm on Good Friday and from 8 am to 8 pm on Easter Monday.
In light of these closures, shoppers are advised to plan ahead. Corner shops and petrol stations may be the best bet for those needing to pick up essentials. It's also worth noting that Scotland has fewer trading restrictions, so if you find yourself near the border, you might discover more shops open for business.
As the Easter weekend draws near, many families and friends will likely take advantage of the extended break to spend time together, whether that means shopping or simply enjoying each other's company. With the varying opening hours, it’s essential for consumers to check local store websites or in-store notices to stay informed about specific hours and availability.
Ultimately, while the closures may limit options for some, there are still plenty of opportunities to shop in the North East. Whether it’s a quick trip to Co-op or a visit to Greggs for a delicious pastry, shoppers can still make the most of the holiday weekend.
As you prepare for Easter Sunday, remember to check the opening hours of your local stores to avoid any disappointment. Happy shopping!
