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
Easter has arrived, and for many families across the UK, that means a well-deserved four-day break. However, with the long weekend comes the inevitable realization that someone forgot the hot cross buns, the roast lamb, or—heaven forbid—the chocolate eggs for the Sunday morning hunt. Whether you are hosting a massive family dinner or just looking to top up on milk, knowing the specific opening times for your local supermarket is essential.
Good Friday marks the beginning of the Easter Bank Holiday weekend. Unlike Easter Sunday, where large stores in England and Wales are legally required to close, Good Friday is treated differently. Most major retailers will remain open, but many operate on reduced hours. If you're planning a trip to Tesco, Sainsbury's, or any of the big discounters like Aldi and Lidl, you need to be prepared for potential changes to their standard schedules.
Take Sarah, a mother of three from Leeds. Last year, she assumed her local supermarket would be open until 10:00 PM on Good Friday. She arrived at 8:15 PM only to find the shutters coming down, leaving her without the essential ingredients for her Good Friday fish dinner. "It was a frantic dash to the local corner shop," she recalls. "I learned my lesson—always check the specific branch times before you leave the house."
Good Friday Supermarket Hours: A Retailer-by-Retailer Guide
While most supermarkets follow a general pattern for Bank Holidays, individual store hours can vary significantly based on location, size, and local demand. Here is the breakdown of what to expect from the UK's biggest names this Good Friday.
Tesco Opening Times
Tesco generally keeps its doors open on Good Friday, but the hours depend on the type of store. Most Tesco Extras and Superstores will operate on their normal Friday hours, which typically range from 6:00 AM or 7:00 AM until 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM. However, some locations may close earlier, around 8:00 PM. Tesco Express stores, the smaller convenience branches, are expected to maintain their usual 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM or midnight schedules, making them a reliable backup for late-night emergencies.
Aldi Opening Times
Aldi has confirmed its opening times for the Easter weekend to help shoppers plan ahead. On Good Friday, most Aldi stores across the UK will be open from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM. This consistency makes Aldi a popular choice for those looking to grab some award-winning Easter treats without worrying about a mid-afternoon closure. However, Aldi encourages shoppers to use their online store finder to verify times for their specific town.
Sainsbury's Opening Times
Sainsbury's stores are usually open on Good Friday, but like Tesco, the hours fluctuate. Large superstores are generally expected to open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM, which is a slight reduction from their standard 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM finish. Sainsbury's Local stores, on the other hand, are likely to keep their standard hours, often staying open until 11:00 PM. If you are in a major city center, expect these convenience stores to be bustling.
Marks & Spencer (M&S) Opening Times
M&S Foodhalls are a staple for Easter Sunday lunch prep. On Good Friday, most M&S stores will be open. Typical hours are 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, though some flagship stores in London or Manchester may stay open later. Since many M&S locations are situated within shopping centers, they may also be subject to the mall's specific Bank Holiday trading hours.
Lidl Opening Times
Lidl generally mirrors Aldi's strategy. Most stores will open at 8:00 AM and close at 8:00 PM or 10:00 PM on Good Friday. In Scotland, where licensing and holiday laws differ, Lidl stores often maintain completely normal hours. In England and Wales, it is best to anticipate an 8:00 PM closure just to be safe.
Asda Opening Times
Asda is known for its extended hours, with many stores usually operating 24 hours. On Good Friday, most Asda superstores will open at their usual time but may close slightly earlier than usual—often around 10:00 PM. The 24-hour stores typically pause their 24-hour service over the Easter weekend, resuming standard operations on the following Tuesday.
Morrisons Opening Times
Morrisons stores will be open this Good Friday, with most branches welcoming shoppers from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Their cafes, often a hit for a pre-shop breakfast, may have slightly different hours, so it's worth checking if you're planning on a full English before hitting the aisles.
Waitrose Opening Times
For those looking for premium Easter eggs and high-quality roasts, Waitrose will be open on Good Friday. Most stores will operate from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, though some Little Waitrose branches at Shell garages will maintain their 24-hour service. It is highly recommended to use the Waitrose store locator as their hours are among the most variable in the industry.
Why Do Supermarket Hours Change on Good Friday?
You might wonder why supermarkets change their hours at all on Good Friday, given that it isn't a restricted trading day like Easter Sunday. In the UK, the Sunday Trading Act of 1994 dictates that large shops (over 280 square meters) in England and Wales must close on Easter Sunday. However, this law does not apply to Good Friday or Easter Monday.
The variations we see on Good Friday are largely due to "Bank Holiday hours." Retailers balance the high demand for festive groceries with the operational costs and the desire to give their staff a bit of a break. Since many people are off work, there is a massive morning rush, followed by a significant dip in foot traffic by early evening. Consequently, many stores find it more efficient to close a few hours early.
Furthermore, distribution networks are often adjusted over the Bank Holiday. Delivery lorries may face different road restrictions or schedules, meaning stores aim to sell through their fresh stock before the Sunday closure. This is why you might see "yellow sticker" discounts appearing earlier in the day on Good Friday and Saturday.
- Staffing: Many retailers offer voluntary shifts on Bank Holidays, which can lead to reduced staffing levels and shorter hours.
- Operational Costs: Running a massive superstore late into a holiday evening often yields lower returns.
- Regional Differences: In Scotland, retail laws are more relaxed, and Good Friday is often treated as a standard trading day with fewer closures.
Top Tips for Stress-Free Easter Shopping
The Easter weekend is the second-busiest shopping period of the year, trailing only behind Christmas. To avoid the stress of long queues and empty shelves, follow these pro-tips from seasoned retail experts.
1. Shop Early in the Day
The "Golden Hour" for Easter shopping is between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM. By 11:00 AM on Good Friday, most aisles will be crowded with families starting their long weekend. If you can get there when the doors open, you'll have the pick of the freshest produce and the widest selection of Easter eggs.
2. Don't Forget the Sunday Closure
This is the most important rule for shoppers in England and Wales: Large supermarkets **will be closed** on Easter Sunday. This creates a "bottleneck" on Good Friday and Saturday. If you realize on Sunday morning that you've forgotten the gravy, you will be limited to small convenience stores and petrol stations, which often have limited stock and higher prices.
3. Use Click and Collect
If you want to avoid the aisles altogether, check for Click and Collect slots. Most supermarkets like Tesco and Asda allow you to book these a few days in advance. While home delivery slots for Good Friday are likely already fully booked, Click and Collect often has more flexibility. It allows you to drive up, have your groceries loaded into your boot, and head home in minutes.
4. Check the Store Locator
While general guides are helpful, the most accurate information is always found on the retailer's official website. Type in your postcode to find the exact opening and closing times for your local branch. This is especially important for those living in rural areas or near major transport hubs, where hours can be unconventional.
5. Stock Up on Essentials Early
Items like toilet roll, long-life milk, and tinned goods can be bought weeks in advance. By clearing these off your list early, your Good Friday shop can focus solely on fresh items like vegetables, meat, and dairy. This makes for a much quicker trip through the checkout.
6. Consider Local Butchers and Bakers
While the big supermarkets are convenient, local independent shops often have excellent stock levels and may remain open on Good Friday. Supporting local businesses can also mean getting higher quality meat for your Easter Sunday roast, often with less of the supermarket "crush."
What to Do if You Miss the Closing Time?
If you find yourself staring at a locked supermarket door on Good Friday evening, don't panic. There are several alternatives available to ensure your Easter weekend isn't a total washout.
Convenience stores are your best friend during Bank Holidays. Stores like Co-op, Tesco Express, and Sainsbury's Local are usually exempt from the stricter closing times and often stay open until 11:00 PM. While they might not have a 5kg leg of lamb, they will have the basics like bread, milk, eggs, and snacks.
Additionally, petrol station shops (such as those at BP, Shell, or Esso) are often open 24/7, even on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Many of these have partnerships with M&S Food or Waitrose, offering a surprisingly good selection of high-quality meals and treats. For emergency chocolate egg runs, these are often the "secret weapon" of last-minute shoppers.
Finally, delivery apps like Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Getir have changed the game. Many of these apps partner with local convenience stores and supermarkets to deliver groceries in as little as 20 minutes. If you've completely run out of options, a quick search on your phone might save the day.
Final Thoughts on Good Friday 2024
Good Friday is a time for relaxation, reflection, and, of course, plenty of good food. By taking five minutes to check the opening times of your local Tesco, Aldi, or M&S today, you can avoid the frustration of a wasted journey. Remember that while most stores are open, the hours are likely to be shorter than your average Friday.
The key to a successful Bank Holiday is preparation. Use the information above as a guide, but always double-check with your local store's online locator. From everyone here, we wish you a very Happy Easter and a stress-free shopping experience!
- Tesco: Mostly normal hours; Express stores open late.
- Aldi: 8am - 10pm (check local).
- Sainsbury's: Superstores likely 7am - 8pm.
- Asda: Most open until 10pm.
- Lidl: 8am - 8pm/10pm.
- M&S Food: Usually 8am - 8pm.
Whether you're hunting for the last box of Lindt bunnies or grabbing a bottle of wine for the weekend, getting your shopping done early on Good Friday will leave you with more time to enjoy the sunshine and the company of loved ones. Happy shopping!
All UK supermarket opening times for Good Friday — including Tesco, M&S, Aldi
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