Easter weekend 2025 is just around the corner, bringing with it the promise of family gatherings, chocolate eggs, and, of course, shopping for those last-minute essentials. This year, the long weekend will begin with Good Friday on April 18, followed by a normal Saturday, Easter Sunday on April 20, and wrapping up with Easter Monday on April 21. However, a crucial detail for shoppers to keep in mind is the varying opening hours of supermarkets across the UK during this holiday period.
In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the vast majority of larger supermarkets will be closed on Easter Sunday due to legislation that mandates any shop larger than 280 square meters must shut its doors on this day. This law means that shoppers in these regions will need to plan ahead if they want to stock up for the holiday festivities.
In Scotland, however, many stores will remain open on Easter Sunday, operating under different trading laws. As shoppers prepare for the holiday, knowing when their local supermarkets will be open is essential.
Aldi will be open during the following hours: on Good Friday, April 18, from 8am to 10pm; on Saturday, April 19, from 8am to 10pm; and closed on Easter Sunday, April 20, in England and Wales, while remaining open in Scotland. On Easter Monday, April 21, Aldi will operate from 8am to 8pm.
Asda will also be closed on Easter Sunday, with about 1,100 stores shuttering their doors across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Their hours for the Easter weekend are as follows: Good Friday from 7am to 10pm, Saturday from 7am to 10pm, and closed on Easter Sunday, April 20. Asda will reopen on Easter Monday from 7am to 10pm.
The Co-op stores, which tend to vary in size, will generally remain open over the long weekend. While many mid-sized branches will close on Easter Sunday in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, local convenience stores are expected to operate as usual throughout the holiday.
Iceland will be open as usual on Good Friday, April 18, and Saturday, April 19, but will close on Easter Sunday. Customers can expect the stores to reopen on Easter Monday, April 21, during regular hours.
Lidl will maintain its usual trading hours over Good Friday and Saturday, but will be closed on Easter Sunday in England and Wales, although stores in Scotland will be open from 8am to 9pm. On Easter Monday, Lidl will operate from 8am to 10pm inside the M25 and 8am to 8pm outside the M25 in England, while in Wales, they will be open from 8am to 8pm.
Morrisons will follow a similar pattern, being open from 7am to 10pm on Good Friday and Saturday, closed on Easter Sunday, and reopening on Easter Monday from 7am to 8pm.
Sainsbury's will have varying hours, with larger stores closed on Easter Sunday. However, local Sainsbury's stores will open from 7am to 10pm on Easter Sunday. The hours for the larger stores are 7am to 10pm on Good Friday, closed on Easter Sunday, and reduced hours from 8am to 8pm on Easter Monday.
Meanwhile, Tesco has different store types, including Express, Metro, and Extra. All Tesco superstores will be closed on Easter Sunday, while most Tesco Express stores will remain open. The hours for larger stores are 6am to 10pm on Good Friday, closed on Easter Sunday, and 8am to 6pm on Easter Monday.
Waitrose will also have varied hours, with larger stores closed on Easter Sunday and smaller branches potentially remaining open. They will operate from 8am to 8pm on Good Friday and Easter Monday, with normal trading hours on Saturday.
As shoppers gear up for the holiday, it's essential to check local store hours to avoid any last-minute surprises. Many supermarkets have online store locators that can help verify opening times specific to each location. With the Easter weekend promising to be a busy time for UK supermarkets, being prepared is key to ensuring a smooth shopping experience.
This year, the Easter weekend is not just about sweets and family time; it’s about knowing when and where to shop. With the majority of larger supermarkets closed on Easter Sunday, planning ahead is crucial. Whether you're stocking up for a family gathering or just grabbing some essentials, understanding the operating hours of your favorite supermarkets can make all the difference.
As the holiday approaches, customers are encouraged to take advantage of the extended hours on Good Friday and Easter Monday to complete their shopping lists. With a little foresight, shoppers can enjoy their Easter celebrations without the stress of running out of supplies.
So, mark your calendars and set your reminders. Easter weekend 2025 promises to be filled with joy, family, and, yes, plenty of chocolate—just don’t forget to check those supermarket hours!
