As the Easter bank holiday weekend approaches in 2026, shoppers across the United Kingdom are preparing for potential changes in supermarket operating hours. Major retailers including Tesco, Aldi, and Sainsbury's have announced adjustments to their schedules, with variations based on location and store type. This guide provides a detailed overview to help consumers navigate the festive period efficiently.
Key Supermarket Opening Times for Easter 2026
Understanding the specific hours for each supermarket chain is crucial for planning essential purchases during the holiday. Below, we break down the schedules for leading retailers, noting regional differences and exceptions.
Aldi
Aldi will implement modified hours across its stores. On Good Friday, stores will open from 8am to 9pm, followed by Easter Saturday with hours from 8am to 9pm. Easter Sunday will see all Aldi locations closed, while Easter Monday operations resume from 8am to 8pm.
Asda
Asda plans to maintain extended hours on Good Friday and Easter Saturday, operating from 7am to 10pm. Stores will be closed on Easter Sunday, but reopen on Easter Monday from 8am to 10pm.
Co-Op
Co-Op stores will follow a similar pattern, with hours from 7am to 10pm on Good Friday and Easter Saturday. Easter Sunday closures apply, although convenience stores may remain open from 7am to 10pm. Easter Monday hours are set from 7am to 10pm.
Marks & Spencer
M&S advises customers to verify individual store times, but based on previous years, expectations include Good Friday hours from 8am to 8pm, no announced changes for Easter Saturday, closures on Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday hours from 8am to 8pm.
Morrisons
Morrisons' opening hours vary, with most stores open between 7am and 10pm on Good Friday. No changes are announced for Easter Saturday. Easter Sunday closures apply in England and Wales, while Scottish stores operate normally. Easter Monday hours are 7am to 8pm in England and Wales, with normal operations in Scotland.
Tesco
Tesco's schedule is complex due to regional variations. On Good Friday, stores in England, Wales, and the Isle of Man open from 6am to 10pm, while Scotland and Northern Ireland operate normally. Large Express stores follow the 6am to 10pm schedule, with standard Express stores normal. Easter Saturday sees no announced changes. Easter Sunday closures apply in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with Isle of Man stores open 8am to 10pm and Scotland normal. Large Express stores are closed, standard Express normal. Easter Monday hours are 8am to 6pm in England, Wales, and Isle of Man, 8am to 8pm in Northern Ireland, and normal in Scotland, with large Express stores 8am to 6pm and standard Express normal.
Waitrose
Waitrose will open with reduced hours on Good Friday, typically 8am to 8pm based on last year. No changes are announced for Easter Saturday. Easter Sunday closures apply, except for select Little Waitrose stores. Easter Monday also features reduced hours, generally 8am to 8pm.
Iceland
Iceland maintains normal trading hours on Good Friday and Easter Saturday, with exceptions for shopping centre stores. Easter Sunday closures apply, except in Scotland. Easter Monday returns to normal hours, with shopping centre store exceptions.
Sainsbury's
Sainsbury's stores will operate from 7am to 11pm on Good Friday and Easter Saturday, with convenience stores normal. Easter Sunday closures apply, except in Scotland. Easter Monday hours are 8am to 8pm, with convenience stores normal.
Planning Your Easter Shopping
To avoid inconvenience, shoppers are encouraged to check specific store details online or via customer service, as times may vary by location. Regional differences, particularly between England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, are significant, so verifying local information is essential.
Additionally, consider stocking up on essentials in advance, especially for Easter Sunday when many supermarkets are closed. Convenience stores and smaller outlets may offer alternative options during closures.
By staying informed with this comprehensive guide, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free Easter shopping experience across the bank holiday weekend.
