Easter Monday often feels like a regular weekday for many people across the UK, but supermarket opening hours tell a very different story. With reduced trading times across major chains, shoppers heading out for last-minute groceries, Easter lunch ingredients or discounted chocolate could find doors closed earlier than expected.
This year, several of the UK’s biggest supermarkets have cut their hours, with Tesco closing as early as 6pm in many areas and Aldi shutting at 8pm. The changes come after a full Easter weekend of adjusted schedules, and Monday is no exception. For anyone planning a food shop, timing could make all the difference.
The key trend is simple: while convenience stores mostly stay open as normal, larger supermarkets are running shorter hours. That means evening shopping plans may not work the way they usually do.
Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Aldi and Asda Easter Monday hours explained
Tesco is leading the shift to reduced hours. In England, Wales and the Isle of Man, most Tesco stores will open from 8am to 6pm on Easter Monday. Northern Ireland stores are expected to run slightly longer, from 8am to 8pm, while Scotland will see normal trading hours. Large Tesco Express stores will follow reduced hours, though smaller Express locations are largely open as usual.
Sainsbury’s is also operating shorter hours, with larger stores typically open from 8am to 8pm. However, its convenience stores are continuing with normal trading hours, offering a fallback option for quick evening purchases.
Aldi shoppers should plan for an earlier finish too, with stores set to open from 8am to 8pm. That earlier closing time could catch out those expecting standard weekday hours, particularly after a long Easter weekend.
Asda is one of the few supermarkets offering extended flexibility, with stores open from 8am to 10pm. For shoppers running late or needing to pick up items in the evening, Asda may be one of the safest options.
Waitrose is operating reduced hours, which in previous years have typically been around 8am to 8pm, although exact timings vary by branch. Marks & Spencer is taking a similar approach, advising customers to check local store times, with many expected to follow an 8am to 8pm schedule.
Morrisons, Lidl, Co-op and others: what to expect
Morrisons stores in England and Wales are expected to open from around 7am to 8pm, while Scottish branches will operate as normal. That slightly earlier closing time means shoppers used to late-night visits may need to adjust plans.
Lidl has confirmed that Easter Monday hours will vary across locations, making it one of the few chains without a fixed nationwide schedule. Customers are encouraged to check their nearest store using the online store finder before heading out.
Co-op continues to stand out for its consistency, with most convenience stores open as usual throughout the Easter weekend, including Monday. This makes it one of the most reliable options for late or last-minute shopping, although product ranges may be more limited than larger supermarkets.
Iceland is largely sticking to normal trading hours as well, though stores located inside shopping centres may be affected by reduced centre opening times.
The overall pattern across the UK is clear. Large supermarkets are closing earlier, while smaller convenience stores are maintaining standard hours. This split means shoppers who leave things too late may still find somewhere open, but not necessarily with the full range of products they need.
Easter Monday shopping can also be busier than expected, especially around late morning and early afternoon. Many people delay their shop until the final day of the long weekend, which can lead to crowded aisles and longer queues. Combined with reduced hours, this creates a tighter window for getting everything done.
For families hosting Easter lunches or planning a relaxed day at home, the safest approach is to shop early. Tesco’s 6pm closing time in much of the UK is particularly important, as it removes the option of a late evening supermarket run. Aldi’s 8pm close adds to the pressure, while other chains also follow reduced schedules.
Convenience stores such as Co-op and smaller Tesco Express branches may help fill the gap later in the day, but relying on them for a full shop is not always ideal. Stock levels can be lower, and choice is more limited compared with larger stores.
With that in mind, Easter Monday is one of those occasions where a quick check before leaving the house can save time and frustration. Across Tesco, Aldi, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and others, shorter hours are in place, and turning up even an hour too late could mean missing out altogether.
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