The May bank holiday weekend has arrived, providing many people with a welcome three-day break from work and school. However, while the long weekend offers a perfect chance to relax and spend time with loved ones, it also means that some shops will be closed or operating on reduced hours.
Are Shops Required to Close on Bank Holidays?
Unlike Christmas Day and Easter Sunday, there is no legal obligation for shops to shut on bank holidays. Nevertheless, many retailers choose to reduce their opening hours to allow staff to enjoy additional time off, as reported by the Manchester Evening News.
Supermarket Opening Times for May Bank Holiday Monday
Major supermarkets across Britain, including Aldi, Lidl, Tesco, and Sainsbury's, typically operate on altered schedules during bank holidays. To avoid any inconvenience, it is advisable to check your local store's hours before heading out. Below is a comprehensive list of confirmed opening times for Aldi, Lidl, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, Asda, Waitrose, and Marks and Spencer.
Aldi
Aldi has confirmed that its branches will be open on Bank Holiday Monday. Rachel Geary, Communications Director at Aldi UK, stated: "Bank holiday weekends are a great opportunity to get together with family and friends and enjoy delicious food - whether that's hosting a garden get-together or heading off on a trip with plenty of snacks in tow. At Aldi, we've made it easy for shoppers to pick up everything they need at unbeatable value, so they can focus on making the most of the long weekend."
Most Aldi stores will be open from 8am to 8pm on Bank Holiday Monday. However, opening times may vary, so customers are advised to check their local store details. For reference, Aldi Wimbledon will be open from 8am to 8pm on Monday, and Aldi Camden Town will also operate from 8am to 8pm.
Asda
Asda has announced that most larger branches will operate at their standard times throughout the bank holiday weekend, though some stores may have different hours. Customers are urged to verify their local branch's schedule. For example, Asda Brighton Marina will be open from 8am to 10pm on Monday, while Asda Norwich Hall Road will operate from 8am to 10pm.
Lidl
Lidl has confirmed that most branches outside the M25 and in Wales will be open from 8am to 8pm on Bank Holiday Monday. All Scottish stores and those inside the M25 will operate as usual. Opening times may vary, so customers should check their local store. Lidl Bath will be open from 8am to 8pm, and Lidl Holmfirth will operate from 8am to 11pm.
Marks and Spencer (M&S)
M&S has confirmed that all stores will be open over the May Bank Holiday weekend, although opening times may differ. Customers are recommended to check local store details. For instance, M&S Banbury Gateway M40 Foodhall will be open from 8am to 8pm on Monday, and M&S Summertown Foodhall will also operate from 8am to 8pm.
Morrisons
Morrisons has confirmed that stores in England and Wales will be open from 7am to 8pm on Bank Holiday Monday, while stores in Scotland will operate as usual. Opening times may vary, so customers should check their local store. Morrisons Oldham will be open from 7am to 8pm, and Morrisons Cheadle Heath will operate from 7am to 8pm.
Sainsbury's
Sainsbury's has confirmed that the vast majority of stores will be open from 8am to 8pm on Bank Holiday Monday, while convenience stores will operate as usual from 7am to 11pm. Opening times may vary, so customers should check their local store. Sainsbury's Birmingham Colmore Row Local will be open from 6:30am to 9pm, and Sainsbury's Maypole Superstore will operate from 8am to 8pm.
Tesco
Tesco has confirmed that the majority of large stores in England and Wales will be open from 8am to 6pm on Bank Holiday Monday, while Express stores will operate their usual hours. Large stores in Scotland will be open from 7am to 10pm, and stores in Northern Ireland from 8am to 6pm. Opening times may vary, so customers should check their local store. Newcastle Pilgrim Tesco Express will be open from 8am to 6pm, and Tesco Gateshead Trinity Square Extra will operate from 8am to 6pm.
Waitrose
Waitrose has confirmed that some stores may operate reduced opening hours on Bank Holiday Monday. Customers are advised to check the details of their local store.
