Home Bargains, the prominent discount retailer, has confirmed it will temporarily close 560 of its stores across England and Wales for a full 24-hour period on Easter Sunday, April 5. This significant closure affects the majority of its 630 outlets nationwide, providing staff with a well-deserved day of rest during the holiday weekend.
Store Closure Details and Regional Variations
A company spokesperson clarified that all 70 Scottish branches will operate normally on Easter Sunday, while the remaining stores in England and Wales will be shut. This decision aligns with the Sunday Trading Act 1994, which mandates that larger retailers exceeding 280 square metres must close on Easter Sunday, similar to the requirement for Christmas Day closures.
Operating Hours for the Easter Weekend
For the broader Easter period, Home Bargains will maintain modified schedules. On Good Friday, stores will open with reduced hours from 9am to 7pm. Easter Monday will see identical operating hours, from 9am to 7pm, allowing customers to shop before and after the Sunday closure.
The retailer, which employs approximately 28,000 people across the UK, emphasised that the closure is intended to ensure staff receive a statutory day off. In a statement, the firm noted: "Our stores in Scotland will open as usual; however, all of our other stores will be closed."
Legal Framework and Exemptions
The Sunday Trading Act 1994 provides specific exemptions to the closure rule. Smaller shops below the size threshold are permitted to trade, as are outlets in airports, railway stations, service stations, registered pharmacies, and farms selling their own produce. Additionally, motor supplies retailers and suppliers of goods to aircraft may remain open on Easter Sunday.
Customers seeking the latest information on trading hours are advised to contact their local store by telephone or check the company's social media channels for updates.
Home Bargains' Expansion and Growth Trajectory
Despite the temporary closures, Home Bargains continues to expand its footprint across the United Kingdom. The discount chain, which is particularly strong in the North West region, has been steadily opening new branches nationwide.
From 594 stores in 2023, the company grew to 617 outlets by the end of 2024 and currently operates 630 locations. Home Bargains has ambitious plans to further expand its portfolio, with a long-term goal of reaching between 800 and 1,000 stores across the UK.
This growth strategy underscores the retailer's position as one of Britain's leading discount chains, even as it adheres to trading regulations that require temporary closures on specific holidays like Easter Sunday.
