Shoppers are being urged to check supermarket opening times ahead of the August Bank Holiday, with several major chains set to operate reduced hours. The changes could catch out anyone relying on an evening shop for last-minute essentials, from nappies to pet supplies and ingredients for Monday night's dinner.
While some of the UK's biggest supermarkets are expected to close earlier than usual, a number of smaller convenience stores and selected branches may remain open later. However, opening hours can vary significantly by location.
Below, we've rounded up which supermarkets are expected to stay open the latest and which are more likely to close earlier.
Supermarkets closing after 6pm
Most Sainsbury's supermarkets are expected to be open from 7am to 8pm on Bank Holiday Monday. Smaller Sainsbury's convenience stores are expected to operate as usual, typically opening from 7am to 11pm.
Across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the majority of Sainsbury's supermarkets are also expected to open from 7am to 8pm, but times can still vary by branch, so shoppers should check before heading out.
Most Morrisons supermarkets are expected to be open from 7am to 8pm on Bank Holiday Monday. However, some Morrisons stores in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland may operate different hours, depending on the branch. Shoppers are advised to check their local store before travelling.
Lidl opening times are expected to vary across the UK. Some stores are expected to run reduced hours, such as 8am to 8pm, while others may remain open until 10pm. Lidl stores in Scotland appear to be operating as normal in many areas — for example, some Glasgow branches are showing 8am to 10pm for Monday, August 31.
In Wales, opening hours can differ by store, with some branches operating 8am to 8pm. In Northern Ireland, Lidl stores are expected to open from 9am to 9pm on Bank Holiday Monday. Customers should check their local store's hours before setting off.
Many Aldi stores are expected to open from around 8am to 8pm, although hours can differ, particularly in Scotland. Aldi stores in Wales are expected to open from 8am to 8pm on Bank Holiday Monday, while stores in Scotland and Northern Ireland are expected to operate their usual opening hours.
Opening times can vary by individual store, so shoppers are advised to check their local branch before travelling.
Supermarkets set to close by 6pm
Most large Tesco stores across England and Wales are expected to open from 8am until 6pm. Many Tesco branches usually operate from 6am until 10pm, meaning shoppers could see stores closing four hours earlier than normal on Monday.
Tesco Express stores generally keep their usual opening hours. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, times can vary by branch, with many stores expected to operate as normal.
M&S is expected to run reduced opening hours at many stores, with branches typically closing between 6pm and 8pm. However, opening times can vary across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, with some locations operating shorter hours and others staying open later.
For example, the Wrexham store in Wales is listed as open 8am to 6pm, while the Foyleside store in Northern Ireland is expected to open 9am to 6pm. One Glasgow branch is showing opening hours of 9am to 10pm. Customers are advised to check the opening hours of their local M&S before travelling.
Most Waitrose supermarkets are expected to open from around 8am to 6pm. Little Waitrose stores generally keep their normal hours, although this can vary by location.
In Wales, the handful of Waitrose stores are expected to operate reduced hours, 8am to 6pm, on Bank Holiday Monday. Opening hours in Scotland and Northern Ireland can vary by branch, so customers are advised to check locally.
