Are shops open on Easter Sunday? Tesco, Lidl, Aldi opening times and more for Easter 2021

The bank holiday weekend is finally here, so are shops open on Easter Sunday for last-minute essentials? 

Many shops have different guidelines for opening at the moment, even outside of the Easter 2021 (opens in new tab) weekend, which include new opening and closing times to help with social distancing. As always, it's good to check ahead to avoid disappointment - especially where Easter eggs (opens in new tab) are involved.

Whether it's to pick up an extra bag of roast potatoes or shop for last minute Easter gifts for kids (opens in new tab), to ensure a foolproof Easter lunch (opens in new tab) with all the traditional Easter feast (opens in new tab) offerings, we recommend getting clued up on what shops will be open across the whole weekend.

Are shops open on Easter Sunday 2021?

Larger supermarket stores tend to be closed on Easter Sunday, according to the yougov.co.uk (opens in new tab) website. This is because Easter Sunday is classed as a public holiday.

This means that a lot of the larger supermarkets are likely to be shut on Easter Sunday.

Morrisons, Aldi, Lidl and Waitrose have confirmed that all their retail stores will be shut in England, Wales and Northern Ireland on Easter Sunday. Whilst in Scotland, their supermarket stores will continue "normal trading hours."

Sainsbury's and Tesco's larger stores, plus Tesco Metro and Tesco Extra will also be closed on Easter Sunday. However, some of their smaller stores - Tesco Express and Sainsbury's Local - are expected to open.

If in doubt, be sure to check opening times for these smaller stores on their website.

Though opening times on Easter Sunday vary, all supermarket stores will be open on Good Friday (2nd April), Easter Saturday (3rd April) and Easter Monday (5th April).

So there's still time to grab bits for an Easter bonnet (opens in new tab) or hot cross buns (opens in new tab) around the all important weekend.

What about smaller supermarkets?

Smaller supermarkets like Tesco Express or Sainsbury's Local aren't necessarily subject to the same opening restrictions as bigger stores in England and Wales.

They are often open later into the evening most Sundays, to around 10 or 11pm.

As well as the smaller versions of superstores, others supermarket shops that will likely be open include:

• Budgens
• The Co-op
• Service station supermarkets

Smaller Marks and Spencer Food stores are likely to open, selling treats like the pink Gin and Tonic Easter Egg (opens in new tab) and chocolate Harry Potter Hedwig owl (opens in new tab).

Whilst Farm shops are also allowed to stay open to sell their produce, but it's always best to check ahead.

Why do supermarkets close on Easter Sunday?

Under government regulation, any shop over 280 metres must close on Easter Sunday and Christmas Day.

This is why larger supermarket stores such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Aldi and Lidl are closed on Easter Sunday 2021.

Shops are also required to only open for six hours on regular Sundays throughout the year. This is a tradition in England and Wales that comes from the Sunday Trading Act 1994, which restricted trading on Sundays to minimal hours and enforced closures on different days of the year.

It's therefore a good idea to plan ahead and purchase all your favourite treats before Easter Sunday to save disappointment.