Opening times often change for a bank holiday – here are the hours for Aldi, Lidl, Tesco, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Co-op, Waitrose
Many people are enjoying a three-day weekend with warmer weather and an extra day off work. Monday, May 25 is the Spring bank holiday, originally known as Whit Monday.
As with many of the bank holidays in the UK it is originally based in the Christian calendar. Just at Christmas recognises the birth of Jesus and Easter his death and resurrection the late May bank holiday falls the day after Pentecost.
Pentecost comes 50 days after Easter and commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit into Jesus’ aspostles which publicly launched the church. However today it is considered largely secular with people enjoying time with family, friends or just a day out of the office.
But for some people it will be a working day. Aside from emergency services many other people who provide important services for the public will also be at work – including many supermarket staff.
Most supermarkets have confirmed their trading hours for the early bank holiday. While most are opening as normal over the Saturday and Sunday, there are changes for many on bank holiday Monday. Here’s a round-up of the major supermarkets’ bank holiday Monday opening times.
Aldi
Aldi stores will close slightly earlier than usual. Instead of the regular 10pm closing time, most Aldi stores will open at 8am but shut their doors at 8pm.
However, in Scotland, the standard shopping hours of 8am to 10pm is likely to remain for many stores. It is worth checking your local branch as some might differ – find your nearest Aldi using the supermarket’s locator tool here.
Lidl
Lidl has confirmed that over the early May bank holiday its opening hours will vary across the country. In Scotland and within the m25 boundary trading will be as normal.
Elsewhere it is likely to be open from 8am to 8pm but this can change between stores. Customers are advised to check their local store’s opening hours via the online store finder or through the Lidl Plus app.
Tesco
Most of Tesco ‘s larger stores will be open from 8am to 6pm, with some open until 8pm. In Scotland, the larger Tesco stores will operate from 7am to 10pm on bank holiday Monday, while in Northern Ireland, the hours will be from 8am to 6pm.
Tesco’s smaller convenience stores will operate their regular hours, opening between 6am and 7am and closing between 10pm and midnight. However it is best to check your local store opening times in case of changes which you can do using the supermarket’s locator tool.
Sainsbury’s
Most Sainsbury’s stores will be open from 8am until 8pm – closing approximately two hours earlier than usual. Sainsbury’s Local convenience stores are likely to be open from 7am until either 10pm or 11pm.
Scottish Sainsbury’s will continue to operate under their regular trading hours from around 7am until 10pm on Monday. However as with many supermarkets times can vary between stores so you are advised to check before setting off. You can locate your nearest Sainsbury’s using the supermarket’s locator tool here.
Morrisons
Morrisons stores will open between 7am and 8am with most stores closing at 8pm – although some stores will remain open until 10pm. You can find your nearest Morrisons and check its opening hours with the supermarket’s locator tool here.
Asda
Most bigger Asda stores will operate from 8am until 10pm. Most Scottish Asda stores will maintain their regular trading hours over the weekend.
The chain’s smaller convenience stores, Asda Express, are often open 24 hours seven days a week although this can vary. It is likely to be the same over the bank holiday weekend. You can locate your nearest Asda and check its opening times with the supermarket’s locator tool here.
Waitrose
Waitrose’s opening hours can differ from one store to another. Some stores will open as early as 7am, while others don’t open until 9am. Closing times also vary, with some stores closing as early as 5pm and others as late as 10pm.
However the majority will run at a slightly reduced time of 8am to 6pm on bank holiday Monday. To find your local store and see its opening hours use its locator tool.
Co-op
The Co-op has a variety of different-sized stores, from large supermarkets to smaller convenience shops. Most are likely to be open their normal hours which is usually from 7am to 10pm.
However it warns some may open later and close earlier than normal and advise people to check online before setting off. You can check your local Co-op’s opening times here.
Iceland
Most Iceland stores will open as usual on bank holiday Monday but some will have reduced hours. Check your local branch here for details for your specific shop.
M&S
M&S typically operates reduced hours on May bank holiday Mondays however this can vary significantly depending on location. Generally they will open between 8am and 9am Larger stores might close as early as 6pm, with some Foodhalls open until 7pm or later. It is recommended that you check before leaving using the storefinder.
