News Every Day | 08 April 2025, 15:09

Tesco confirms it will shut over 800 locations for entire day in just weeks – but smaller Express stores will stay open

TheSun.co.uk

BRITAIN’S largest supermarket chain is set to adjust its opening hours over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.

Tesco plans to close 800 of its larger locations on Easter Sunday, while smaller Express and Metro stores will stay open.

GettyTesco will close its larger stores across England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Isle of Man for Easter Sunday (stock image)[/caption]

Retailers in the UK regularly adjust their opening hours during bank holidays.

Larger supermarkets in England and Wales are legally required to close on Easter Sunday and Christmas Day.

This 24-hour closure is a result of Government rules which relate to shops bigger than 280 square metres.

Sundays trading laws stipulate that any stores that choose to remain open can only do so for six consecutive hours between 10am and 6pm.

But don’t fret, you’ll still have loads of time to get your Easter chocolate and other bits in Tesco before Easter Sunday.

The bigger stores will be open as normal in the days leading up to Easter Sunday, so there is no need to panic.

The majority of large Tesco stores across England, Wales and the Isle of Man will be open from 6am until 10pm on Good Friday.

Meanwhile, all large stores in Scotland and Northern Ireland will trade their normal hours with changes to opening hours for Express stores.

On Easter Saturday, all Tesco locations will operate their regular Saturday hours.

Then, all large Tesco stores across England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Isle of Man will be closed on Easter Saturday.

'OMG' say shoppers as they spot major Easter staple weeks ahead of the big day

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A spokesperson said: “Our opening hours over the Easter period vary by location, so we advise customers to check their local store opening times on our store locator.

“This is also the best place to check for Petrol Filling Station opening times, as these can vary from main store opening hours.”

Meanwhile, all Tesco locations in Scotland will trade their normal hours.

The majority of large Express stores across England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Isle of Man will be closed, while smaller Express stores will remain open.

On Easter Monday, most larger Tesco stores across England, Wales, and the Isle of Man will be open from 8am until 6pm.

Meanwhile, larger Northern Ireland stores will be open from 10am until 8pm, alongside those in Scotland.

Why do retailers close on Easter Sunday?

A legal mandate in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland dictates that all store locations over 280 square metres are required to close on Easter Sunday.

The Sunday Trading Act 1994 restricts the opening hours of larger stores on Sundays.

Smaller shops, under 280 square metres, are not subject to this law but many still choose to close to give their staff a break.

These rules also apply to locations on Christmas Day.

Scotland does not have specific restrictions on operating hours for these days.

The majority of large Express stores across England, Wales, and Isle of Man will be open from 8am – 6pm, while there will be no changes for Express stores.

Shoppers can find their local opening times using the Tesco store locator on its website.

Asda will also see 580 of its larger locations close for 24 hours over the Easter weekend.

You can check the full list of Easter supermarket closures and changes to operating hours here.

And for information on Good Friday and Easter Monday opening hours, click here.