Shoppers heading to UK supermarkets today, Monday, August 31, could find their usual store closing hours sharply reduced for the Summer Bank Holiday. The biggest deadline is at Tesco, where most larger stores in England and Wales are expected to close at 6pm.
Other major chains are giving customers more time, with many Aldi, Lidl, Morrisons and Sainsburyâs stores remaining open until around 8pm. Asda may stay open later at some locations, while convenience stores could be the best option for shoppers leaving it late.
What shoppers need to know today
Before 6pm: Most large Tesco stores in England and Wales are open.
Until around 8pm: Many Aldi, Lidl, Morrisons and Sainsburyâs supermarkets remain open.
Later tonight: Some Asda stores and convenience branches may stay open beyond 8pm.
Check first: Individual branch hours can differ by location and store format.
Tesco shoppers have the tightest deadline
Most larger Tesco stores in England and Wales are operating from 8am to 6pm today, making Tesco one of the earliest-closing major supermarket chains on Bank Holiday Monday.
That does not mean every Tesco shuts at 6pm. Many Tesco Express stores operate later, while petrol stations, pharmacies and other in-store services can follow separate schedules.
Customers can check their nearest location through the official Tesco store locator before travelling.
What if you need groceries after 6pm?
Aldi stores across England and Wales are generally operating from 8am until 8pm, while most Morrisons supermarkets are expected to trade from 7am until 8pm.
Many larger Sainsburyâs stores also close around 8pm. Its smaller Local branches usually have longer opening hours, with many remaining open until around 11pm.
Lidl shoppers need to pay particular attention to location. Most stores outside the M25 and in Wales are running 8amâ8pm, while stores inside the M25 and across Scotland are generally operating normal hours.
Asda may stay open later
Asda could be one of the better options for shoppers leaving their grocery run until later in the evening. Many larger stores are expected to trade roughly from 8am until 10pm, although exact times vary by branch.
Asda Express stores generally operate longer hours, while some Express Petrol locations can remain open 24 hours. Asda Living branches may follow shorter Bank Holiday schedules.
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Convenience stores become more important tonight
Once larger supermarkets begin closing, smaller formats are likely to become increasingly useful. Tesco Express, Sainsburyâs Local, Morrisons Daily, Asda Express and many Co-op stores can remain open after nearby full-size supermarkets have shut.
Co-op branches are generally operating broadly as normal, with some stores staying open late or 24 hours. Iceland and The Food Warehouse are also expected to follow normal schedules at many locations, although shopping-centre branches can be restricted by the centreâs own opening hours.
M&S and Waitrose require a branch check
M&S does not have one national closing time today. Some larger stores are operating normally, while certain Foodhalls and shopping-centre locations are closing earlier.
Waitrose is following a similarly store-specific approach. Many larger branches have reduced Bank Holiday hours, while Little Waitrose convenience shops are generally less affected.
Why Scotland has different hours
The Summer Bank Holiday falls on August 31 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, while Scotland observes its summer bank holiday earlier in August. That is why chains such as Aldi and Lidl are generally maintaining normal Scottish opening schedules today.
Supermarket opening hours also changed around other public holidays this year, including Tesco and other UK supermarket schedules over Easter 2026, when large stores and convenience branches again followed different trading patterns.
Do not rely on the chain-wide closing time
The most important point for shoppers is that national opening hours are only a guide. A storeâs location, size, shopping-centre rules, petrol-station setup and local trading arrangements can all change the actual closing time.
For anyone shopping this evening, the practical order is simple: check Tesco before 6pm, expect many Aldi, Lidl, Morrisons and Sainsburyâs stores to trade until around 8pm, and look to Asda or convenience stores for later options.
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