As Easter approaches, many Brits are gearing up for a long weekend filled with family time and home improvement projects. However, with shops adjusting their hours for the holiday, it’s crucial for DIY enthusiasts to know when their local stores will be open. This year, the Easter weekend runs from Good Friday, April 18, to Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, and several major retailers have announced their operating hours.
Among the most popular DIY retailers, B&Q has confirmed that all its branches in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will be closed on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025. However, customers can take advantage of extended hours on Good Friday and Saturday, when most stores will be open from 7am to 8pm. In Scotland, B&Q will be an exception, remaining open on Easter Sunday from 9am to 6pm. On Easter Monday, B&Q will again open its doors from 7am to 8pm, although some locations may start at 8am, depending on regional variations.
ScrewFix, another key player in the DIY sector, will also adjust its hours for the holiday. On Saturday, April 19, ScrewFix branches will be open from 7am to 6pm, but only stores in Scotland will operate on Easter Sunday from 9am to 4pm. Shops in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will remain closed on that day.
Homebase is another retailer that will be accommodating customers over the Easter weekend. In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, Homebase stores will open from 8am to 8pm on Good Friday and from 8am to 7pm on Saturday. However, similar to B&Q, branches will be shuttered on Easter Sunday, with normal trading hours returning on Easter Monday from 8am to 8pm. In Scotland and Ireland, Homebase stores will operate their usual hours on Easter Sunday.
Wickes, a leading competitor in the home improvement market, will mirror B&Q's schedule. On Good Friday, Wickes will be open from 7am to 8pm, and on Saturday, from 7am to 7pm. As with the other retailers, all stores in England and Wales will close on Easter Sunday, while those in Scotland will be open from 7am to 7pm. On Easter Monday, Wickes will resume normal hours, opening from 7am to 8pm.
It’s essential for customers to plan ahead, especially since many stores will be closed on Easter Sunday due to legal mandates. According to a law in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, larger retailers—those over 280 square metres—are required to close on Easter Sunday, a rule that also applies to Christmas Day. This law is part of the Sunday Trading Act 1994, which restricts the opening hours of larger stores on Sundays. Smaller shops, typically under this size, are not bound by this law but often choose to close to give staff a break.
As for other retailers, many will also be closing their doors for 24 hours on Easter Sunday. Aldi, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Lidl, and Morrisons will all shut their larger stores on that day, while smaller branches may remain open. For example, Aldi will close all its stores in England and Wales on Easter Sunday, but those in Scotland will operate as usual. On Good Friday and Easter Saturday, Aldi supermarkets will be open from 8am to 10pm, with reduced hours of 8am to 8pm on Easter Monday.
Tesco, one of the UK’s largest supermarket chains, will close 800 of its stores on Easter Sunday, including all large locations in England and Wales. However, Tesco Metro and Tesco Express stores will remain open. Similarly, Asda will close 580 of its larger stores, while its Express locations will continue to serve customers.
For those looking for bargains, B&M will also shut 650 of its stores on Easter Sunday, but Scottish branches will remain open. Boots will operate under reduced hours on Good Friday and Easter Saturday, with most stores open from 10am to 8pm. However, like many other retailers, Boots will close all its locations in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland on Easter Sunday, while stores in Scotland will operate normally.
As Easter Sunday approaches, shoppers are reminded to check local store hours to avoid disappointment. Most branches will have varying hours, so it’s advisable to use the store locators available on the retailers' websites to confirm specific opening times. With the right planning, customers can ensure they have everything they need to tackle their DIY projects over the holiday weekend.
The adjustments in store hours reflect a broader trend in retail during holiday weekends, as many businesses aim to balance customer demand with employee welfare. As the Easter weekend approaches, it’s clear that while many stores will close their doors for the holiday, there will still be plenty of opportunities for shoppers to stock up on supplies before the break.
In summary, while B&Q, ScrewFix, Homebase, and Wickes will be available for shoppers on Good Friday and Saturday, they will all close on Easter Sunday in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Customers in Scotland can still find some of these stores open on Easter Sunday, but it’s best to double-check local hours to ensure a smooth shopping experience.
