Easter is many people's favorite time of the year to shop, with chocoholics especially looking forward to the egg-citement. However, consumers should prepare for potential inconveniences this Bank Holiday weekend as many supermarkets across the UK will be closed on Easter Sunday due to government regulations.
The UK trading laws dictate that any supermarket larger than 280 square meters must close on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025. This means that shoppers will need to plan ahead to avoid disappointment, as large shops that open when they’re not supposed to can face fines. General opening times may also differ on Good Friday (April 18), Saturday (April 19), and Bank Holiday Monday (April 21), as many supermarkets will be operating with reduced staff numbers.
Here’s a detailed look at the operating hours of major UK supermarkets over the Easter weekend. It’s always wise to check the specific opening times for your local store using their online store finder, as hours may vary.
Aldi's Easter Opening Times
Most Aldi stores will follow these hours over the Easter weekend:
- Good Friday, April 18 – 8am to 10pm
- Easter Sunday, April 20 – Closed
- Bank Holiday Monday, April 21 – 8am to 8pm
Asda's Easter Opening Times
Asda will operate within the following hours:
- Good Friday, April 18 – 7am to 10pm
- Easter Sunday, April 20 – Closed
- Bank Holiday Monday, April 21 – 7am to 10pm
Lidl's Easter Opening Times
Lidl’s operating hours will generally be as follows:
- Good Friday, April 18 – 8am to 10pm
- Easter Sunday, April 20 – Closed
- Bank Holiday Monday, April 21 – 9am to 9pm
Morrisons' Easter Opening Times
Morrisons stores in England and Wales will be open during these hours:
- Good Friday, April 18 – 7am to 10pm
- Easter Sunday, April 20 – Closed
- Bank Holiday Monday, April 21 – 7am to 8pm
Sainsbury’s Easter Opening Times
Most major Sainsbury's stores will follow these hours:
- Good Friday, April 18 – 7am to 10pm
- Easter Sunday, April 20 – Closed
- Bank Holiday Monday, April 21 – 7am to 10pm
However, some smaller Sainsbury's locations may remain open between 7am and 9pm on Easter Sunday.
Tesco Easter Opening Times
For Tesco, the hours will be:
- Good Friday, April 18 – 6am to 10pm
- Easter Sunday, April 20 – Closed for most larger stores; however, Tesco Express locations will remain open with varying hours
- Bank Holiday Monday, April 21 – 8am to 6pm
Co-op Easter Opening Times
The Co-op will see a mix of hours: while most large stores (over 280 square meters) in England and Wales will close on Easter Sunday, larger stores in Scotland will remain open. Customers should check local listings for specific hours.
Iceland Easter Opening Times
Iceland stores will be open on Good Friday, Saturday, and Easter Monday but will close on Easter Sunday. Customers are advised to check local store hours as they may vary.
Waitrose Easter Opening Times
Waitrose will operate during these hours:
- Good Friday, April 18 – 8am to 8pm
- Easter Sunday, April 20 – Most branches closed, though some smaller locations may remain open
- Bank Holiday Monday, April 21 – 8am to 8pm
With a four-day weekend ahead, shoppers are encouraged to prepare early. By planning ahead, families can avoid disappointment and ensure they have everything they need for a festive Easter celebration.
As the Easter weekend approaches, consumers should remain aware of the varying hours across major supermarkets. This year, the combination of bank holidays and trading laws results in many stores being closed on Easter Sunday, which is a common occurrence in the UK.
As a reminder, the government regulations that require large supermarkets to close on Easter Sunday are in place to give employees a break during the holiday. While many shoppers may find this a nuisance, it’s important to consider the balance between consumer convenience and the well-being of retail staff looking to enjoy the holiday.
In summary, shoppers should take note of the following key points:
- Plan ahead to avoid missing out on essential items.
- Check local store hours as they may differ from the general hours listed.
- Be mindful that larger supermarkets will be closed on Easter Sunday but many smaller convenience stores may remain open.
With these tips in mind, consumers can navigate the Easter weekend with ease, ensuring they have a delightful holiday filled with chocolate eggs and family gatherings.
