Yes, most shops in the UK are open on Good Friday 2026. Good Friday falls on Friday, 3 April 2026, and while it is a UK bank holiday, it is not a mandatory retail closure day.

This means that supermarkets, convenience stores, and many high street retailers will remain open, though some may operate with reduced or bank holiday hours.

If you plan to shop on this day, you can usually visit major supermarkets like Tesco, Aldi, or Sainsbury’s, but checking your local store’s opening hours is always recommended.

Key things you should know before heading out:

• Most supermarkets and retail stores remain open on Good Friday
• Some shops may operate shorter bank holiday hours
• Convenience stores and pharmacies usually stay open
• Independent shops may close or reduce their hours
• The main large store closure day during Easter is Easter Sunday, not Good Friday

Planning ahead helps you avoid unexpected closures and crowded stores during the Easter weekend.

How Shop Opening Hours Work On Good Friday 2026 In The UK?

Good Friday in 2026 falls on 3 April, and it is recognised as a public bank holiday across the United Kingdom. While many businesses adjust their schedules during bank holidays, most retail stores continue operating throughout the day.

Unlike Easter Sunday, there is no nationwide law that forces shops to close on Good Friday. Because of this, supermarkets, convenience stores, and many high street retailers usually remain open, although some branches may shorten their trading hours.

Retailers often adjust their schedules slightly to accommodate staff holidays or lower demand in certain areas. As a result, opening hours can differ depending on the type of store and its location.

Here are the key points you should know about Good Friday shopping in the UK:

• Most major supermarkets remain open across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland
• Many stores follow bank holiday or Sunday style trading hours
• Typical supermarket hours may range from around 6am to 10pm depending on the branch
• Convenience stores such as Tesco Express or Co-op often maintain regular trading hours
• Some independent shops may close or shorten their hours

Because opening hours can vary by location, checking the official store locator or retailer website before visiting can help you avoid unexpected closures during the Easter weekend.

Why Are Most Shops Open On Good Friday In The UK?

Although Good Friday is an important Christian holiday and a bank holiday across the UK, it does not require retailers to shut their doors. As a result, many businesses choose to stay open so people can buy groceries, Easter supplies, or other essentials.

Retailers often experience increased demand during the Easter weekend. Families may be preparing for gatherings, travelling, or buying last minute items. Because of this, supermarkets and shopping centres generally continue trading to meet customer needs.

Several factors explain why shops usually stay open on Good Friday:

• The day is a bank holiday but not a mandatory retail closure day
• Many people use the long weekend for shopping and preparation for Easter celebrations
• Retailers benefit from higher customer demand during holiday periods
• Supermarkets must remain available for essential items and groceries

While many shops remain open, some retailers choose to adjust their hours slightly to give staff a chance to enjoy part of the holiday.

What Makes Good Friday Different From Easter Sunday Trading Rules?

The main reason shops remain open on Good Friday relates to the Sunday Trading Act 1994, which affects large retailers in England and Wales.

Under these rules:

• Shops larger than 280 square metres must close on Easter Sunday
• Smaller shops are allowed to open but many still choose to close
• The law does not apply to Good Friday
• Scotland follows different trading regulations and many stores remain open on Easter Sunday

Because the legal restriction focuses on Easter Sunday rather than Good Friday, retailers are free to operate normally on the Friday of the Easter weekend.

One shopper said, “Last year I thought everything would be closed on Good Friday, so I rushed to buy groceries earlier in the week. When I went out that afternoon, I realised most supermarkets were still open and running almost normal hours. It made my shopping much easier because I could pick up a few extra things for the Easter weekend. Since then, I always check the store locator before heading out.”

Which Supermarkets Are Open On Good Friday 2026?

If you are planning to buy groceries or household essentials on Good Friday 2026, you will usually find that most major supermarkets across the UK remain open. Good Friday falls on 3 April 2026, and although it is a bank holiday, supermarkets typically continue trading with adjusted hours.

Many households shop for Easter meals, family gatherings, and seasonal treats during this weekend. Because of this demand, large supermarket chains normally stay open throughout the day. However, opening hours may be slightly reduced compared with a normal weekday.

Major UK supermarkets expected to open include:

• Tesco
• Sainsbury’s
• Aldi
• Asda
• Morrisons
• Lidl
• Co-op
• M&S
• Waitrose

While these supermarkets are usually open, opening times can vary between branches. Retailers may adjust hours depending on staffing, local demand, or regional trading rules.

What Are The Expected Good Friday Opening Hours For Major UK Supermarkets?

Below is a general guide to how supermarkets across the UK are expected to operate during the Easter bank holiday weekend. Because store hours may differ by location, it is always best to confirm times using your local store finder.

1. Tesco

Tesco is expected to keep most of its UK stores open on Good Friday 2026. Larger supermarkets such as Tesco Extra and Tesco Superstores often operate extended hours to accommodate Easter shopping demand.

Typical hours may include:

• Good Friday: Around 6am to 10pm
• Easter Saturday: Usually normal hours
• Easter Sunday: Closed in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland due to trading laws
• Easter Monday: Often 8am to 6pm in many locations

Convenience stores such as Tesco Express usually remain open even when larger branches close on Easter Sunday.

2. Aldi

Aldi supermarkets usually operate with slightly reduced hours during the Easter bank holiday weekend. However, the stores normally remain open for most of the day on Good Friday.

Typical hours may include:

• Good Friday: Around 8am to 9pm
• Easter Saturday: Similar hours to Good Friday
• Easter Sunday: Closed across England and Wales
• Easter Monday: Often 8am to 8pm

Aldi advises customers to check their local branch online because store hours may vary.

3. Asda

Asda supermarkets usually remain open on Good Friday, allowing customers to complete their grocery shopping before Easter Sunday closures.

Typical hours may include:

• Good Friday: Around 7am to 10pm
• Easter Saturday: Often similar to normal trading hours
• Easter Sunday: Closed in England and Wales
• Easter Monday: Often 8am to 10pm

Because Asda operates large supermarket stores, many branches follow similar bank holiday trading schedules.

5. Sainsbury’s

Sainsbury’s stores also remain open on Good Friday, although some locations may adjust their schedules slightly for the bank holiday.

Typical hours may include:

• Good Friday: Around 7am to 10pm or 11pm
• Easter Saturday: Usually normal opening hours
• Easter Sunday: Closed in England and Wales
• Easter Monday: Reduced hours in some branches

Convenience branches such as Sainsbury’s Local often remain open even when larger stores close.

6. Morrisons

Morrisons supermarkets typically continue operating on Good Friday with hours similar to a normal Friday schedule.

Typical hours may include:

• Good Friday: Around 7am to 10pm or 11pm
• Easter Saturday: Normal hours
• Easter Sunday: Closed in England and Wales, open in Scotland
• Easter Monday: Reduced hours in some areas

Opening times can vary between branches, so checking the Morrisons store locator is recommended.

7. Lidl

Lidl stores across the UK usually remain open on Good Friday, although opening hours may vary by region.

Typical hours may include:

• Good Friday: Reduced hours depending on location
• Easter Saturday: Similar to regular hours
• Easter Sunday: Closed in England and Wales
• Easter Monday: Reduced hours possible

Because Lidl stores can operate different schedules across the country, local confirmation is always helpful.

8. Co-op

Co-op convenience stores are among the most flexible retailers during bank holidays. These neighbourhood shops often maintain regular opening hours to serve local communities.

Typical hours may include:

Good Friday: Around 7am to 10pm
Easter Saturday: Similar hours
Easter Sunday: Many convenience stores remain open
Easter Monday: Around 7am to 10pm

These smaller branches are particularly useful if you need groceries when larger supermarkets are closed.

9. Marks & Spencer (M&S)

Marks & Spencer stores generally remain open on Good Friday, although opening hours may vary between branches. Many food halls operate reduced hours during the Easter weekend.

Typical hours may include:

• Good Friday: Around 8am to 8pm
• Easter Saturday: Usually normal trading hours
• Easter Sunday: Most stores closed
• Easter Monday: Often around 8am to 8pm

Because M&S operates both food halls and full department stores, opening hours may vary depending on the location.

10. Waitrose

Waitrose supermarkets typically remain open on Good Friday but may operate with slightly reduced bank holiday hours.

Typical hours may include:

• Good Friday: Often around 8am to 8pm
• Easter Saturday: Usually normal hours
• Easter Sunday: Most stores closed, some Little Waitrose convenience stores open
• Easter Monday: Often reduced hours similar to Good Friday

Customers are advised to check their local Waitrose branch online because opening times can differ between locations.

One shopper shared, “I went to Tesco on Good Friday a few years ago expecting it to close early. The store was actually open until late evening, which surprised me. I still noticed a sign explaining that hours might change over Easter weekend. Now I always look up the opening times online before leaving the house.”

Convenience supermarkets such as Tesco Express and Co-op often remain the most flexible during bank holidays. Because these stores serve neighbourhood communities, they are more likely to maintain extended hours.

Overall, shopping for groceries on Good Friday is usually straightforward. The main difference is that some branches may close slightly earlier than usual, particularly later in the evening.

Are High Street Shops And Retail Stores Open On Good Friday?

Many high street shops across the UK continue trading on Good Friday. While the day is recognised as a bank holiday, most retail businesses remain open so customers can shop during the Easter weekend.

Shopping centres and retail parks are often particularly busy on Good Friday because people have the day off work and use the time for errands or leisure shopping.

You may find the following types of businesses open:

• Clothing stores and fashion retailers
• Electronics and technology shops
• Restaurants, cafés, and pubs
• Cinemas and entertainment venues
• Shopping centres and retail parks

However, the exact trading hours can vary depending on the retailer and location. Some shops adopt Sunday-style opening hours, which may mean opening slightly later in the morning and closing earlier in the evening.

Large retail chains such as Primark, B&M, and Home Bargains often stay open during the day. At the same time, smaller independent shops may adjust their schedules or close earlier.

Because trading hours can vary between locations, checking the official website or Google listing for your local branch is always a smart step before visiting.

Do Any Shops Close On Good Friday In The UK?

Although most shops remain open on Good Friday, not every business follows the same schedule. Some retailers decide to close for part of the day or reduce their opening hours during the Easter bank holiday.

Independent shops and small businesses are the most likely to make these changes. Owners may close their stores so employees can spend time with family or observe the religious holiday.

You may notice several situations where shops adjust their trading hours:

• Some local independent retailers close for the entire day
• Others open for shorter hours than usual
• A few businesses may open later in the morning than normal
• Some shops close earlier in the evening

Which Types Of Stores Are More Likely To Close Or Reduce Hours?

Certain types of businesses are more likely to change their schedules on Good Friday.

Examples include:

• Independent boutiques and small local retailers
• Family run businesses
• Specialist shops with limited staff
• Some service based businesses

Large supermarket chains rarely close on Good Friday because they provide essential groceries and household items. However, the situation can vary between regions and individual branches.

One retailer spokesperson shared, “Our store normally opens early every morning, but during the Easter weekend we shorten our hours slightly. We do this so our staff can enjoy part of the bank holiday while still serving customers who need groceries. Most people appreciate the notice when we display updated hours at the entrance. It helps them plan their shopping trip without confusion.”

What Should You Know Before Shopping On Good Friday 2026?

If you plan to go shopping on Good Friday 2026, a little preparation can help you avoid inconvenience. Because the day falls within the busy Easter weekend, supermarkets and retail centres may experience higher customer traffic.

Many people use the long weekend to prepare meals, buy Easter gifts, or gather supplies for family celebrations. As a result, some stores may feel busier than usual.

Important things to remember before heading out include:

• Some stores operate reduced bank holiday hours
• Popular supermarkets may experience longer queues
• Certain items may sell out faster due to holiday demand
• Local store schedules can vary between locations

How Can You Check Your Local Store Opening Times?

The easiest way to confirm whether a shop is open is by checking the retailer’s official information.

You can do this by:

• Using the store locator on supermarket websites
• Searching the store on Google Maps
• Checking retail mobile apps
• Looking at official announcements from the retailer

Taking a few minutes to verify opening hours can prevent unnecessary travel and ensure you arrive while the store is open.

How Do Good Friday Shop Opening Hours Compare Across The Easter Weekend?

Understanding how shop opening hours change across the Easter weekend can help you plan your shopping trips more efficiently. Each day of the long weekend may follow slightly different retail rules and schedules.

Good Friday usually sees most supermarkets and high street shops open, though some may reduce their trading hours. Easter Saturday often returns to near normal schedules, while Easter Sunday brings the most significant closures for large retailers in England and Wales.

The general pattern of shop opening hours during the Easter weekend in 2026 is outlined below:

Day	Date (2026)	Typical Retail Status
Good Friday	3 April	Most shops open with reduced hours
Easter Saturday	4 April	Mostly normal trading hours
Easter Sunday	5 April	Large stores closed in England and Wales
Easter Monday	6 April	Many shops open with reduced hours

Easter Sunday is the day when major supermarkets and large retailers must close in England and Wales due to trading laws. Smaller convenience stores may still open.

Because of this pattern, many people complete their shopping on Good Friday or Easter Saturday before the Sunday closure.

Can You Buy Groceries, Essentials, And Alcohol On Good Friday?

Yes, you can usually buy groceries and everyday essentials on Good Friday in the UK. Because most supermarkets remain open, shoppers can still access food, household supplies, and other necessary items.

Supermarkets typically stock a wide range of products during the Easter weekend, including fresh groceries and seasonal items.

You can generally buy:

• Fresh food and groceries
• Household products
• Easter treats and seasonal goods
• Pharmacy items from stores like Boots
• Beverages and alcohol

However, there may be a few small variations depending on local policies or regional regulations.

For example:

• Some stores may operate shorter hours for alcohol sales
• Certain departments may close earlier than the main shop
• Pharmacy counters may follow reduced bank holiday schedules

Convenience stores are especially helpful during bank holidays because they often remain open for extended hours. These smaller shops provide quick access to essentials if larger supermarkets close earlier than usual.

Overall, buying groceries or last minute items on Good Friday should be straightforward for most shoppers across the UK.

What Is The Best Time To Shop On Good Friday?

The best time to shop on Good Friday is usually earlier in the day, particularly during the morning hours. Many people head to supermarkets in the afternoon as they prepare for Easter weekend gatherings, which can lead to busier stores later in the day.

If you visit supermarkets during the morning, you are more likely to experience shorter queues and better product availability.

Another advantage of shopping earlier is that some stores may close slightly earlier than normal due to bank holiday hours. Visiting earlier ensures you have plenty of time to complete your shopping.

Planning ahead and checking store hours in advance can make your Good Friday shopping trip much smoother.

Conclusion: Can You Shop On Good Friday 2026 In The UK?

Yes, you can shop on Good Friday 2026 in the UK. Most supermarkets, convenience stores, and many high street retailers remain open even though the day is a national bank holiday.

However, some stores may operate with reduced hours compared with a typical weekday. Independent shops may also choose to close or shorten their trading hours during the holiday.

The biggest retail disruption during the Easter weekend usually occurs on Easter Sunday, when large shops in England and Wales must close due to trading laws. Good Friday and Easter Saturday generally remain the best days for shopping before that closure.

To avoid surprises, always check the opening hours of your local store online before visiting. Planning ahead ensures you can complete your shopping quickly and enjoy the Easter weekend without unnecessary stress.

FAQs

Is Good Friday a bank holiday in the UK?

Yes, Good Friday is a public bank holiday across the United Kingdom. Many businesses close or operate reduced hours, but most shops remain open.

Do supermarkets close early on Good Friday?

Some supermarkets may close slightly earlier than usual due to bank holiday hours. However, many branches still operate near normal schedules.

Are Tesco Express or convenience stores open on Good Friday?

Yes, most convenience stores such as Tesco Express and Co-op remain open. These smaller stores often maintain flexible hours during bank holidays.

Why do large shops close on Easter Sunday instead of Good Friday?

Large retailers in England and Wales must close on Easter Sunday because of the Sunday Trading Act 1994. This law does not apply to Good Friday.

Are shopping centres open on Good Friday in the UK?

Yes, most shopping centres remain open on Good Friday. Some may operate slightly shorter bank holiday hours.

Do pharmacies open on Good Friday bank holiday?

Many pharmacies such as Boots remain open on Good Friday. Some branches may operate reduced hours.

How can you check if your local supermarket is open during Easter?

You can check opening times using the retailer’s official website or store locator. Google Maps and supermarket apps also show updated holiday hours.