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
As the Easter bank holiday weekend arrives, millions of households across the UK are preparing for family gatherings, traditional Sunday roasts, and the inevitable hunt for chocolate eggs. However, with the bank holiday comes the annual confusion over supermarket opening hours. Whether you have forgotten the hot cross buns or need a last-minute leg of lamb, knowing when your local store is open is essential to avoid a wasted trip.
Unlike Easter Sunday, where large stores in England and Wales are required by law to close, Good Friday operates more like a standard working day for most retailers—but with a few subtle changes. Many major chains like Tesco, Sainsbury's, and Asda maintain their regular Friday hours, while others may opt for slightly shorter "bank holiday" schedules.
Take Sarah, a busy mother of three from Birmingham. Last year, she assumed her local Aldi would be open until 10:00 PM on Good Friday, only to find the shutters coming down just as she pulled into the car park at 8:00 PM. "It was a nightmare," she recalls. "I had the roast prepped but no potatoes. I ended up paying double at a local corner shop." To help you avoid Sarah's fate, we have compiled the ultimate guide to UK supermarket opening times for Good Friday.
Why Good Friday Hours Differ from Easter Sunday
In the UK, the rules surrounding trading hours are governed by the Sunday Trading Act 1994. Under this legislation, any shop over 280 square metres in England and Wales must close on Easter Sunday. However, Good Friday is technically a bank holiday and not a restricted trading day in the same legal sense. This means stores are permitted to stay open for their usual Friday hours if they choose to.
In Scotland, the laws are even more relaxed, and many stores remain open on Easter Sunday as well. Despite this, many retailers choose to operate on a "Sunday schedule" or slightly reduced hours on Good Friday to allow staff a bit of a break before the weekend rush. This is why checking your local store locator is always the smartest move before heading out.
- England and Wales: Most stores open as usual on Good Friday, closed Easter Sunday.
- Scotland: Most stores remain open throughout the entire Easter period.
- Northern Ireland: Stores often have separate restricted hours during public holidays.
Comprehensive Guide to Supermarket Opening Times for Good Friday
Here is a breakdown of what you can expect from the UK's biggest retailers this Friday. Please note that these are general guidelines and specific locations may vary based on their size and location (e.g., shopping centres vs. standalone stores).
Tesco Opening Times
Tesco generally operates regular hours on Good Friday across its Superstores and Extra sites. Most large stores will open at their usual time (often 6:00 AM or 7:00 AM) and close at their usual Friday time (often 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM). Tesco Express stores, which are smaller convenience formats, are almost certain to stay open until their usual 11:00 PM or midnight slots.
Aldi Opening Times
Aldi has confirmed a consistent schedule across most of its UK branches for the Easter period. On Good Friday, most Aldi stores will be open from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM. This is great news for budget-conscious shoppers looking to stock up on Specialbuys or last-minute chocolate treats.
Sainsbury's Opening Times
Sainsbury's typically follows its standard Friday trading hours on Good Friday. For most large supermarkets, this means 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Sainsbury's Local stores usually open even earlier (around 6:00 AM or 7:00 AM) and stay open late into the night. It is worth noting that stores inside shopping centres may follow the centre's specific holiday hours.
Asda Opening Times
Asda is known for its extended hours, and Good Friday is no exception. Most Asda superstores will be open from 6:00 AM or 7:00 AM until 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM. Some 24-hour stores may adjust their closing times on the eve of Good Friday, so it is vital to check the Asda store finder online.
Marks & Spencer (M&S) Opening Times
M&S Foodhalls and larger stores usually operate normal Friday hours on Good Friday, which typically fall between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM or 9:00 PM. However, M&S stores located within major railway stations or hospitals may maintain different schedules to serve travelers and essential workers.
Morrisons Opening Times
Morrisons stores are expected to be open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Good Friday. Their petrol stations often open earlier and stay open later than the main stores, providing a lifeline for those needing emergency milk or bread.
Lidl Opening Times
Similar to Aldi, Lidl usually maintains its 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM schedule for Good Friday. Shoppers are encouraged to use the Lidl app to check their specific local branch, as some inner-city stores may have slightly different requirements.
Waitrose Opening Times
Waitrose stores generally open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Good Friday, though some of the larger branches may stay open until 9:00 PM. Little Waitrose locations at Shell garages will continue to operate their standard 24-hour or late-night schedules.
Expert Tips for Stress-Free Easter Shopping
Knowing the opening times is only half the battle. The Easter weekend is one of the busiest periods for UK retail, trailing only behind Christmas in terms of footfall. If you want to avoid the long queues and empty shelves, follow these insider tips from professional grocery shoppers.
1. Shop Early or Very Late: The "Golden Hours" for shopping on Good Friday are typically before 9:00 AM or after 8:00 PM. Most families head out between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, leading to congested aisles and long waits at the checkout. If you need fresh produce, the morning is best as shelves are freshly stocked.
2. Leverage Technology: Almost every major supermarket now has a robust app with a real-time store locator. These tools are updated more frequently than third-party websites. Some apps, like the Lidl Plus app or the Tesco Clubcard app, also offer specific "Easter Rewards" that can save you money on your festive shop.
3. Don't Forget the Convenience Stores: If you find your local superstore is too busy, remember that Tesco Express, Sainsbury's Local, and Co-op Food stores often have plenty of stock for the essentials. While prices might be slightly higher, the time saved can be worth the extra few pence.
4. Check Delivery Slots Early: If you prefer to shop from the comfort of your home, bank holiday delivery slots are like gold dust. Most supermarkets allow you to book a slot up to three weeks in advance. If you've missed the window for a direct supermarket delivery, consider third-party services like Deliveroo or Uber Eats, which partner with Co-op, Waitrose, and Morrisons for rapid delivery.
5. Watch Out for the "Easter Sunday Gap": Remember that while Good Friday has generous opening hours, Saturday is the last day for major shopping before the Sunday shutdown. If you forget something on Friday, Saturday will be incredibly chaotic. Try to get everything done on Good Friday to enjoy a peaceful weekend.
Regional Variations and Local Exceptions
It is important to remember that the UK is not a monolith when it comes to trading. If you are traveling this weekend—perhaps visiting family in Scotland or heading to the coast in Wales—your usual shopping habits might need an adjustment.
In Scotland, supermarkets do not face the same mandatory closure on Easter Sunday as they do in England and Wales. This means that if you are north of the border, Good Friday and Easter Sunday feel very much like regular days. However, in Northern Ireland, licensing laws and holiday traditions mean that many stores close early on both Good Friday and Easter Monday.
Furthermore, stores located in major transport hubs like London Waterloo, Manchester Piccadilly, or Birmingham New Street often remain open when others are closed. These are excellent "panic options" for travelers or those living in city centers. Just be prepared for "travel pricing," which can be slightly higher than your local suburban supermarket.
In conclusion, while Good Friday offers plenty of opportunities to get your shopping done, a little bit of planning goes a long way. Most major retailers like Tesco, Aldi, and M&S are keeping their doors open for at least 12 to 14 hours, giving you ample time to grab those easter eggs and roast essentials. Stay safe, shop smart, and have a wonderful bank holiday weekend!
All UK supermarket opening times for Good Friday — including Tesco, M&S, Aldi
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