Aldi Confirms Easter 2026 Opening Schedule and Quiet Shopping Tips
Aldi has officially released its opening times for the Easter weekend in 2026, along with guidance on the best periods to shop to avoid the busiest crowds. The supermarket chain is providing these details to help customers plan their holiday purchases efficiently.
Easter 2026 Dates and Aldi Store Hours
Easter dates vary annually, and in 2026, Good Friday is set for April 3, Easter Sunday on April 5, and Easter Monday on April 6. Aldi stores will operate from 8am to 9pm on Good Friday and Easter Saturday. However, all Aldi locations will be closed on Easter Sunday to allow staff to spend the day with family and friends, in compliance with UK laws that require large shops to shut on this day, except in Scotland where different regulations apply.
On Easter Monday, Aldi will reopen with hours from 8am to 8pm. Customers are encouraged to verify specific times for their local stores via Aldi's online resources, as individual locations may have slight variations.
Optimal Times for a Peaceful Shopping Experience
For those seeking a quieter shopping trip, Aldi recommends visiting between 8am and 9am in the morning or later in the evening from 7pm to 10pm. These windows typically see fewer customers, making it easier to navigate the aisles and complete purchases without delays.
Rachel Geary, Communications Director at Aldi UK, commented: "Easter is a time for celebration and coming together with family and friends to enjoy great food – whether that’s a traditional British roast with all the trimmings or firing up the BBQ, if the spring weather allows! At Aldi, we’ve made it easy for shoppers to pick up everything they need for the occasion at unbeatable value, so they can focus on what really matters – spending quality time with loved ones."
Aldi's Broader Initiatives: Pay Rises and Expansion Plans
This announcement coincides with Aldi's move to become the highest-paying supermarket in the UK. The company has confirmed a pay increase for thousands of employees, effective from April 1, 2026. Store assistants will see their hourly rates rise to £13.50 nationally and £14.88 within the M25 area, with further increments to £14.47 and £15.20 based on tenure. This adjustment benefits over 28,000 hourly-paid workers and marks the second pay rise for Aldi staff in 2026, following an earlier increase announced at the start of the year.
Aldi, which employs more than 45,000 people across the UK, is also embarking on a significant expansion. The supermarket plans to open 40 new stores in 2026 as part of a £370 million investment programme, alongside an additional £300 million allocated for upgrading and extending existing outlets.
Giles Hurley, Chief Executive Officer of Aldi UK and Ireland, stated: "Our colleagues work incredibly hard to deliver exceptional value for our customers, and we're rewarding that dedication with the highest pay in the sector. We’ve invested over £42 million in colleague pay this year because we know that every single member of Team Aldi is fundamental to our success and deserve nothing less."
