With the Early May Bank Holiday upon us, many Britons will be looking to make the most of the long weekend, whether that's with a barbecue or simply stocking up on household essentials. However, the change in public holiday often means a change in supermarket opening hours, potentially catching out shoppers.
For those planning a trip to the shops on Monday, 6th May, it's advisable to check specific local store times before travelling. While many larger supermarkets will still be open, their hours are generally reduced compared to a standard weekday or weekend.
Tesco, the UK's largest supermarket chain, typically sees its larger Extra and Superstores operating from 8am to 6pm on Bank Holiday Monday. Smaller Tesco Express stores, however, often maintain their usual longer hours, though this can vary by location.
Sainsbury's, another major retailer, will also see its larger supermarkets generally open from 8am to 6pm on 6th May. Similar to Tesco, Sainsbury's Local convenience stores may operate on their standard opening hours. Aldi stores across the UK are expected to open from 8am to 8pm, offering a slightly longer window for shoppers. Co-op stores, particularly their smaller local branches, often maintain their regular hours, but customers should verify with their specific store.
These adjusted hours are a common feature of Bank Holidays, reflecting a balance between serving customers and allowing staff time off. Shoppers are encouraged to use store locators on supermarket websites for the most accurate information on their nearest branch.