Easter Sunday Shopping: What's Open and What's Closed in 2025?
Easter weekend – a time for hot cross buns, egg hunts, and… a mad dash to the supermarket? With a four-day break stretching from Good Friday to Easter Monday, you might find yourself needing a few last-minute supplies. But are your local shops open on Easter Sunday itself? Let's get to the bottom of it.
The Rules of Easter Sunday Trading
The simple answer for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland is mostly no. Those pesky government regulations mean most supermarkets over a certain size (280 square meters) have to stay shut. Scotland, however, plays by different rules, and many stores will have their usual Sunday hours. It's a bit of a postcode lottery, really!
So, What About My Favorite Supermarkets?
This is where things get tricky. Specific times change from place to place, but here’s the general idea for the big names across the UK. And remember, always double-check your local store’s website or app – this information is just a guide!
Aldi: Closed in England and Wales on Easter Sunday; open as normal in Scotland. Check their store finder for specific details.
Asda: Same deal as Aldi – closed in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, but open in Scotland. Use their store locator to be sure.
Co-op: This one's a bit of a mixed bag. Smaller Co-op stores *might* be open, but chances are the larger ones in England, Wales and Northern Ireland will be closed. Use their handy branch finder to see what's happening near you.
Iceland: Yep, they're mostly closed in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland on Easter Sunday; and open as usual in Scotland. Their store locator can help you out.
Lidl: Closed in England and Wales; potentially open with reduced hours in Scotland. Check Lidl's website.
Morrisons: Think Aldi and Asda – closed in England and Wales, open in Scotland. Check their store finder!
Sainsbury's: Larger Sainsbury's are likely to be closed in England and Wales; smaller stores and Scottish stores might have limited hours. Their "find a store" tool is your friend.
Tesco: Big Tesco stores will likely be closed in England and Wales on Easter Sunday; Tesco Express stores might have shorter hours. It’s always best to check their website.
Waitrose: Similar to Sainsbury's – larger stores closed, smaller ones may be open. Use their store finder to avoid disappointment.
Don't Get Caught Out: Plan Ahead!
Honestly, the last thing you want is an Easter egg-shaped hole in your plans because you forgot to check opening hours. Take a peek at each supermarket’s website – it takes just a few minutes – and you can avoid any unnecessary stress. Have a wonderful Easter!
