If you are planning a celebratory meal or need to stock up on seasonal treats, it’s vital to know the supermarket schedules for the long weekend. Easter 2026 falls in early April, and because of UK trading laws, many of the largest stores in Southampton will have to adjust their hours.
When is Easter 2026?
It’s important to keep the key dates in mind as you plan your shopping trips. In 2026, the Easter weekend falls in early April, providing a welcome four-day break for many workers and students in the city.
- Good Friday: 3 April 2026
- Easter Saturday: 4 April 2026
- Easter Sunday: 5 April 2026
- Easter Monday: 6 April 2026
Important Rule: Why Shops Close on Easter Sunday
Many visitors to the city are often surprised to find the major retail centres completely quiet on Easter Sunday. In England and Wales, including the entire Southampton area, large shops over 280 square metres must close on Easter Sunday by law. This is due to the Sunday Trading Act 1994, which was designed to protect the rights of retail workers and preserve the traditional nature of the holiday.
This legal requirement applies to all of the major supermarket chains that occupy large footprints. This means that if you usually do your weekly shop on a Sunday morning, you will need to adjust your schedule for 5 April 2026. While the big names such as Tesco, Asda, and Sainsbury’s will be shut for the day, smaller convenience stores that fall under the 280-square-metre threshold can remain open. These smaller shops are a lifeline for those who realise they have forgotten the mint sauce or the extra pack of hot cross buns.
Southampton Supermarket Opening Times (Easter 2026)
While most major chains follow a similar pattern across the country, local variations can occur based on the specific location within Southampton. Below is a detailed breakdown for each of the main providers in the city.
Aldi
Aldi has confirmed that it will close all its large Southampton stores on Easter Sunday. For the rest of the weekend, the following national times apply. We recommend you double-check the window posters at your local Aldi the next time you are in store.
- Good Friday (3 April): 8am to 10pm
- Easter Saturday (4 April): 8am to 10pm
- Easter Sunday (5 April): CLOSED
- Easter Monday (6 April): 8am to 8pm
Asda
Where: The Marlands, Western Esplanade, Southampton, SO14 7EG
- Good Friday (3 April): 7am to 11pm
- Easter Saturday (4 April): 7am to 11pm
- Easter Sunday (5 April): CLOSED
- Easter Monday (6 April): 8am to 8pm
Lidl
The following Lidl stores in the Southampton area follow the same schedule for the 2026 holiday weekend:
Locations: Shirley Road (SO15 3JG), Banister Road (SO15 2XD), Frogmore Lane (SO16 0XS), High Street (SO14 2DF), Commercial Road (SO40 3AG), and Obelisk Road (SO19 9DY).
- Good Friday (3 April): 8am to 10pm
- Easter Saturday (4 April): 8am to 10pm
- Easter Sunday (5 April): CLOSED
- Easter Monday (6 April): 8am to 8pm
Morrisons
Where: Spruce Drive, Totton, Southampton, SO40 8AD
- Good Friday (3 April): 6am to 10pm
- Easter Saturday (4 April): 6am to 10pm
- Easter Sunday (5 April): CLOSED
- Easter Monday (6 April): 7am to 8pm
Sainsbury’s
Sainsbury’s operates both large superstores and smaller “Local” branches in Southampton. It’s important to note that the smaller stores remain open on Easter Sunday.
Sainsbury’s Superstores (Lordshill, Hedge End, and Eastleigh)
Locations: Lordshill District Centre (SO16 8HY), Tollbar Way (SO30 2UH), and Leigh Road (SO50 9FH).
- Good Friday (3 April): 7am to 10pm (Hedge End opens until midnight)
- Easter Saturday (4 April): 7am to 10pm
- Easter Sunday (5 April): CLOSED
- Easter Monday (6 April): 8am to 8pm
Sainsbury’s Local Stores (Portswood, Shirley, and Bitterne)
Locations: 224 Portswood Road (SO17 2LB), 1 Redcar Street (SO15 5LL), and 412-414 Bitterne Road (SO18 5RS).
- Good Friday (3 April): 7am to 11pm
- Easter Saturday (4 April): 7am to 11pm
- Easter Sunday (5 April): OPEN (Normal Sunday hours, typically 7am to 11pm)
- Easter Monday (6 April): 7am to 11pm
Tesco
The following large Tesco stores follow the same bank holiday schedule. It’s a busy time for these locations, so shopping early is advised.
Locations: Tebourba Way (SO16 4QE), Hamble Lane (SO31 8GN), and Sizer Way (SO45 5JA).
- Good Friday (3 April): 6am to 10pm
- Easter Saturday (4 April): 6am to midnight
- Easter Sunday (5 April): CLOSED
- Easter Monday (6 April): 8am to 6pm
Waitrose
Where: 121/131 Portswood Road, Portswood, Southampton, SO17 2FX
- Good Friday (3 April): 8am to 8pm
- Easter Saturday (4 April): 8am to 8pm
- Easter Sunday (5 April): CLOSED
- Easter Monday (6 April): 8am to 6pm
Marks & Spencer (M&S)
Where: Westquay Shopping Centre, Southampton, SO15 1BA
- Good Friday (3 April) – 9am-8pm
- Saturday (4 April) – 9am-8pm
- Easter Sunday (5 April) – Closed
- Easter Monday (6 April) – 9am-6pm
Where: Shirley Foodhall, 1 Redcar Street, Southampton, SO15 5LL
- Good Friday (3 April) – 8am-8pm
- Saturday (4 April) – 8am-8pm
- Easter Sunday (5 April) – Closed
- Easter Monday (6 April) – 9am-6pm
Where: Tollbar Way, Hedge End, Southampton, SO30 2UH
- Good Friday (3 April) – 8am-9pm
- Saturday (4 April) – 8am-9pm
- Easter Sunday (5 April) – Closed
- Easter Monday (6 April) – 8am-9pm
What This Means for Southampton Shoppers
Understanding these schedules is more than just about checking hours; it’s about planning your holiday logistics. Here is a breakdown of what these trading hours mean for you as a resident of the city:
- Do your main shop before Sunday: As all major supermarkets will be closed on 5 April 2026, you should aim to have your large trolley shop completed by Friday evening or Saturday morning. Leaving it until the last minute will result in extremely long queues on Saturday.
- Utilise convenience stores: If you forget something small, such as milk, bread, or a final bag of chocolate eggs, convenience stores and petrol station shops will still be open. These shops are not restricted by the same Sunday closure laws as the large superstores.
- Prepare for Monday changes: Expect reduced hours on Easter Monday, especially in larger stores. While shops reopen on Monday, many will close earlier than they would on a standard weekday. 8pm is a common closing time for stores that are usually open until 10pm or 11pm.
- Local variations: Opening times can vary slightly between Southampton locations, so always check your local branch online before you travel. For example, a store in a busy shopping centre may follow the centre’s unique holiday hours.
Top Tips for Easter Shopping in the City
Shopping during a bank holiday can be a stressful experience if you do not have a plan. To make your 2026 Easter as smooth as possible, follow these top tips:
- Shop early on Good Friday to avoid crowds: Many people use the Friday bank holiday to travel or visit family. If you can get to the shops by 8am on Good Friday, you will likely find the aisles much quieter than they will be on Saturday.
- Use smaller local stores for last-minute items: Do not battle the traffic at the Westquay or Hedge End retail parks for just one or two items. Your local corner shop or petrol station forecourt is often the faster and less stressful choice for emergency groceries.
- Check store locators for your nearest Southampton branch: Using the official store finder tools on the websites of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, or Asda is the only way to get 100% accurate information for your specific postcode. These tools are updated in real-time for the holiday period.
- Consider online delivery slots in advance: If you want to avoid the shops entirely, book your delivery slot as early as possible. Most supermarkets allow you to book several weeks in advance. During the 2026 season, slots for the Thursday and Saturday before Easter are likely to disappear quickly.
Easter is a wonderful time to enjoy the best of Southampton’s food and community spirit. By taking a few moments to plan your grocery runs around the easter supermarket opening times Southampton, you can ensure that your holiday is focused on family and fun rather than parking queues and empty shelves. It’s a busy time for the city, but with a clear list and a bit of foresight, you can have everything you need for a perfect spring celebration.
If you are looking for more ways to celebrate, it’s worth checking out our full guide to Easter activities in Southampton.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which supermarkets are open on Easter Sunday 2026?
No large supermarkets over 280 square metres are allowed to open on Easter Sunday in England. However, smaller convenience branches like Tesco Express, Sainsbury’s Local, and the Little Waitrose at Shell petrol stations will remain open for their usual Sunday hours.
Are the petrol stations at supermarkets open on Easter Sunday?
Yes, most supermarket-affiliated petrol stations in Southampton remain open on Easter Sunday. Even if the main grocery store is closed, the forecourt shop is usually accessible for fuel and basic snacks.
Does “Click and Collect” work on Easter Sunday?
Generally, “Click and Collect” services are not available on Easter Sunday because the main store is closed to the public. You should aim to collect your orders by the end of Saturday or wait until the stores reopen on Easter Monday morning.
Is Westquay open over the Easter weekend?
The main shopping centre at Westquay will be open on Good Friday, Easter Saturday, and Easter Monday with bank holiday hours. However, the majority of the shops inside the centre will be closed on Easter Sunday, though some restaurants and the cinema may remain open.
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