All UK supermarket opening times for Good Friday — including Tesco, M&S, Aldi
All UK supermarket opening times for Good Friday — including Tesco, M&S, Aldi
The Easter bank holiday weekend is finally here, bringing with it the promise of a four-day break, family gatherings, and, of course, an abundance of chocolate eggs and hot cross buns. However, for many shoppers across the United Kingdom, the long weekend also brings a bit of logistical confusion. With varying trading laws and bank holiday schedules, knowing exactly when your local store opens and closes is essential to avoid a wasted trip.
Good Friday marks the beginning of the Easter festivities. Unlike Easter Sunday, which sees most large retailers in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland close their doors entirely, Good Friday usually operates on near-normal or slightly reduced "Sunday hours" for many chains. Whether you are planning a massive family roast or realize at 8:00 PM that you’ve forgotten the mint sauce, staying informed is key.
Imagine Sarah, a busy mum from Birmingham. Last year, she assumed her local supermarket would be open until midnight as usual. She arrived at 9:00 PM only to find the shutters coming down, leaving her without the vital ingredients for her Good Friday fish dinner. To ensure you don't find yourself in Sarah's shoes, we have compiled the ultimate guide to supermarket opening hours for Good Friday across the UK.
Good Friday Opening Hours for Major Supermarket Chains
While many stores will remain open, it is important to remember that hours can vary significantly based on location, store size (Express vs. Superstore), and regional laws. Here is a breakdown of what to expect from the UK's biggest names on Friday, April 7th.
Tesco
Tesco, the UK’s largest grocer, generally maintains relatively consistent hours on Good Friday. Most Tesco Superstores and Extras are expected to open between 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM. However, some larger 24-hour stores may close their doors slightly earlier than usual on Thursday night and reopen early on Friday morning.
- Tesco Superstores: Typically 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
- Tesco Express: Most will operate their usual hours, often staying open until 11:00 PM or midnight.
- Expert Tip: Always use the Tesco Store Locator on their website, as city-center stores often have different schedules than suburban ones.
Aldi
The budget-friendly giant Aldi has confirmed its schedule for the Easter weekend. For Good Friday, Aldi stores across England and Wales will be open as follows:
- Good Friday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
- Easter Sunday: Closed (England & Wales).
- Easter Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
In Scotland, Aldi stores will remain open on Easter Sunday, reflecting the different trading regulations north of the border.
Marks & Spencer (M&S Food)
M&S is a popular destination for those looking for premium Easter treats and high-quality roasts. On Good Friday, most M&S Foodhalls will operate under their standard opening hours, typically 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM or 9:00 PM. However, stores located within shopping centers may follow the specific hours of the mall itself.
Asda
Asda stores generally stay open for quite long hours on Good Friday. Most stores will open at 6:00 AM or 7:00 AM and close around 10:00 PM. Some of their 24-hour locations might not be operating on a full 24-hour cycle during the bank holiday weekend, so checking ahead is advised.
Sainsbury’s
Sainsbury’s follows a similar pattern to Tesco. Large supermarkets will likely open from 7:00 AM until 10:00 PM. Sainsbury’s Local stores—their smaller convenience outlets—are almost always open from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM, even on bank holidays.
Lidl
Lidl typically mirrors its rival Aldi. Expect most Lidl stores to be open from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Good Friday. As always, those in Scotland will see standard operating hours throughout the entire weekend, including Sunday.
Regional Differences: Scotland vs. England and Wales
When searching for "supermarket opening times for Good Friday," it is crucial to recognize where you are in the UK. Trading laws differ significantly between nations, impacting your shopping experience over the Easter weekend.
In England and Wales, the Sunday Trading Act 1994 dictates that large stores (over 280 square meters) must close on Easter Sunday. This makes Good Friday and Easter Saturday the busiest shopping days of the year, as people rush to stock up for the Sunday closure. However, these laws do not apply to Good Friday itself, which is treated as a standard bank holiday. Retailers are legally allowed to stay open, though many choose slightly reduced hours to give staff some flexibility.
In Scotland, trading laws are much more relaxed. Large retailers are not legally required to close on Easter Sunday. Therefore, if you are in Glasgow, Edinburgh, or Aberdeen, you might find that your local Tesco or Morrisons maintains its usual Friday, Saturday, and Sunday schedule without any interruption.
In Northern Ireland, opening hours are often more restricted than in England. Most large shops will open from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Good Friday, but they face stricter limitations on Easter Sunday (usually 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM) and Easter Monday.
How to Use Online Tools to Avoid the Rush
While the general times listed above are accurate for the majority of stores, individual branch variations are common. To save time and fuel, savvy shoppers should utilize the digital tools provided by major retailers.
- The Store Locator Tool: Every major UK supermarket (Morrisons, Waitrose, Co-op, etc.) has a "Store Locator" page on their official website. By entering your postcode, you can see the exact opening and closing times for Good Friday for your specific local branch.
- Supermarket Apps: Apps like the Tesco Clubcard app or the Sainsbury’s SmartShop app often update their "Home" or "Info" tabs with bank holiday hours a few days in advance.
- Google Maps: Google usually updates "Holiday Hours" for major businesses. If you see a warning saying "Good Friday hours might differ," it’s a sign to double-check the official website.
- Click and Collect: If you are worried about crowds, consider booking a Click and Collect slot for Good Friday. However, be aware that these slots fill up weeks in advance for the Easter weekend.
What about Waitrose and Morrisons?
Morrisons usually opens most of its stores from 7:00 AM until 10:00 PM on Good Friday. Waitrose, known for its premium selection, typically opens from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, though some of their Little Waitrose branches at Shell garages will stay open 24/7 or until very late.
Convenience Stores: The Last Resort
If you miss the 10:00 PM cutoff at a major superstore, your best bet is a convenience store like Co-op, Spar, or a Tesco Express. Under UK law, smaller stores (under 280 sq meters) are not subject to the same restrictive trading hours. Most Co-op stores will be open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM on Good Friday, regardless of the bank holiday status.
Essential Tips for Easter Weekend Shopping
Planning your grocery run involves more than just knowing the time. The Easter bank holiday is one of the busiest periods for retail. To make your experience as stress-free as possible, consider these veteran tips:
1. Shop Early: If you can get to the stores at 7:00 AM or 8:00 AM on Good Friday, you will miss the midday rush. By 11:00 AM, most car parks will be at capacity, and the queues for the checkouts will begin to snake down the aisles.
2. The Easter Sunday Blackout: Remember that in England and Wales, the "Big Four" (Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's, Morrisons) will be closed on Sunday. This means Good Friday and Saturday will see a massive influx of shoppers buying fresh produce like milk, bread, and vegetables that won't last until Monday.
3. Don't Forget the Alcohol: In some parts of the UK and Northern Ireland, there are specific restrictions on when alcohol can be sold during the Easter period. While these laws have been relaxed in recent years, it's always safer to buy your wine or beer for the Sunday roast on Friday or Saturday.
4. Check Online Delivery Deadlines: If you are planning to order your groceries online, Good Friday is usually the last day for many delivery services before the Sunday break. Ensure you have your "Final Edit" done well before the cut-off time on Thursday night.
In summary, while most UK supermarkets will be open on Good Friday, they may operate with slightly reduced hours compared to a standard Friday. Tesco, M&S, Aldi, and others generally welcome shoppers from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM or 10:00 PM. To ensure a smooth Easter weekend, always verify your local store's hours online and try to get your shopping done early to beat the bank holiday crowds.
Whether you're hunting for the last pack of hot cross buns or stocking up for a massive family feast, a little bit of preparation goes a long way. Happy Easter and happy shopping!
All UK supermarket opening times for Good Friday — including Tesco, M&S, Aldi
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