Asda has updated its opening schedule for the Easter 2026 bank holiday weekend, with significant variations expected across its store network. This year, Good Friday falls on April 3, Easter Sunday on April 5, and Easter Monday on April 6, prompting adjustments to normal trading hours.
Good Friday and Easter Saturday Operations
For Good Friday, most larger Asda stores are set to operate under their standard opening times, though there is considerable diversity in schedules. Some locations open as early as 6am or 7am, while others maintain 24-hour service, with closing times typically ranging from 10pm to midnight. Similarly, on Easter Saturday, larger stores generally follow these patterns, often opening from 6am or 7am and closing around 10pm or 11pm.
Easter Sunday Closures and Exceptions
In accordance with legal requirements, large Asda stores in England and Wales will be completely closed on Easter Sunday. However, an exception applies in Scotland, where these stores will remain open. This mandatory shutdown does not affect smaller Asda Express stores, which are permitted to trade on Easter Sunday under their normal hours.
Easter Monday and Express Store Details
On Easter Monday, the majority of large Asda stores will adopt slightly reduced hours, typically operating from 8am until 10pm. Meanwhile, Asda Express stores will continue with their regular schedules throughout the entire Easter weekend. Some Express sites offer 24-hour access, while others open from 7am until midnight.
It is crucial for shoppers to verify the exact times of their local Asda store before visiting to avoid any inconvenience.
Broader Context: Asda's Turnaround Efforts
This announcement comes amid a challenging period for Asda, as the supermarket grapples with a sales and earnings decline. In 2025, sales excluding fuel dropped by 3.3% to £21 billion, while adjusted earnings fell by a third to £764 million. The retailer is undergoing a major turnaround under executive chairman Allan Leighton, who has acknowledged setbacks from a problematic £1 billion IT upgrade last year.
Despite these hurdles, Leighton expressed optimism, noting "positive momentum" and a return to sales growth. He emphasized, "There is plenty to do but there is also plenty of upside. We have that momentum and a strong balance sheet to allow us to push forward." Asda continues to compete in a tough market against rivals like Tesco, Sainsbury's, and Lidl.
