Major chains will have reduced hours in place during the long weekend
People might have more spare time on their hands during the long Easter weekend, which runs from Friday, April 3, to Monday, April 6. In this four-day period, the UK will have two more of its 2026 bank holidays.
Easter Sunday holds religious significance, and some large chains across England and Wales will not be welcoming customers in stores. There are laws in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland that require large shops (over 280 square metres) to close for the day.
The same rules also give these shops the legal reason to close completely on Christmas Day. Big brands have confirmed their Easter plans, with chains like B&M, Home Bargains, Primark, Dunelm and The Range stating clearly when shoppers will not be allowed in. It’s always best to check online, as some store hours may vary. You can find more information on a brand’s specific website.
B&M has announced that all its stores in England and Wales will be closed on Easter Sunday. However, its Scottish stores will be open as usual on April 5. B&M stores will generally be open on Good Friday and Easter Monday with normal or slightly reduced bank holiday hours, typically 8am-7pm or 9am-7pm, but it is best to check with your nearest store.
Home Bargains, The Range and Dunelm have also announced that most stores will be closed on Easter Sunday too. Just like B&M, the Scottish stores may be open on Easter Sunday as the laws that enforce mandatory closure do not apply.
Home Bargains stores are generally open on Good Friday and Easter Monday, usually operating with reduced hours, typically from 9am to 6pm or 7pm, but it is best to check before visiting nearer the time. The same applies for Thie Range and Dunelm.
Primark stores will also be closed on Easter Sunday due to the same law, but customers can still shop in the days leading up to Easter Sunday. Most stores will be open as usual on Good Friday and Saturday, and will reopen on the bank holiday Monday. It’s best to check the Primark website for the most accurate information. There, you can find your nearest store and check its opening hours.
Aside from B&M, which does not offer this feature on its website, shoppers who want to purchase items for collection or delivery at a later date can shop online with Home Bargains, The Range, Dunelm and Primark.
Due to the size of most stores well beyond the law’s maximum allowed hours for Easter Sunday, most supermarkets will not be open on Easter Sunday – including Asda, Tesco, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Aldi and Lidl. Smaller branches such as Asda Express, Morrisons Local, Tesco Express, and some Co-operative stores will have the option to stay open.
