As Easter Sunday approaches in 2026, shoppers across the UK are gearing up for the holiday weekend, which traditionally brings a mix of altered supermarket hours. Most major supermarkets in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will remain closed on Easter Sunday, adhering to longstanding regulations that restrict trading on this day.
However, some exceptions exist. Notably, certain Little Waitrose stores will be open, providing limited access for those in need of last-minute groceries. Meanwhile, in Scotland, supermarkets will operate as normal, allowing residents to shop without the constraints faced by their counterparts in the rest of the UK.
The lead-up to Easter Sunday sees varied opening hours for Good Friday and Easter Monday. On Good Friday, many supermarkets will open their doors from as early as 6am, with closing times ranging from 8pm to 10pm. For instance, Tesco stores in Wales will be open from 6am until midnight, while Co-op stores will operate from 7am to 10pm or 11pm.
Easter Monday also presents a mixed bag of hours, with many supermarkets opening at 8am and closing by 8pm or 6pm. Aldi, for example, will welcome customers from 8am to 10pm on Easter Monday, ensuring that shoppers have access to essential items following the holiday.
Convenience stores are expected to maintain their regular trading hours throughout the holiday weekend, providing a reliable option for those who need to shop on Good Friday and Easter Saturday. Asda, for instance, may have varying hours, with some locations open 24 hours on Easter Saturday, catering to late-night shoppers.
For those planning to shop at Lidl, the stores are anticipated to operate at usual hours of 8am to 10pm on Easter Saturday, while Aldi branches will follow suit with similar timings. M&S has advised customers to check individual store hours for Easter Sunday, given the variability across locations.
This sequence of events is particularly significant for families and individuals preparing for Easter celebrations. Knowing the opening times allows for better planning, ensuring that essential items can be purchased in advance or on the appropriate days.
As Easter Sunday draws near, shoppers should remain aware of these hours to avoid any inconvenience. While many supermarkets will be closed, the options available on Good Friday and Easter Monday provide ample opportunity for grocery shopping.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any last-minute changes to these hours, so it is advisable for consumers to stay informed through official supermarket channels as the holiday approaches.