May Day is here once again, bringing a welcome bank holiday for millions across Britain. It is the perfect excuse to enjoy a lie-in, meet with friends and family, and take it easy. However, daily life does not stop for everyone, as restaurants, retail shops, and supermarkets often choose to welcome customers, albeit with altered opening hours. This applies to major chains like Tesco and Sainsbury's, as well as budget retailers Aldi and Lidl.
Branches will operate differently depending on location, so customers are urged to double-check the details of their local branch to avoid a wasted journey today. Here is what you need to know about supermarket opening times for the early May bank holiday.
Tesco
A majority of large stores in England and Wales will open from 8am to 6pm, Tesco has confirmed. Express shops will operate their usual opening hours. Most large stores in Scotland will open from 7am until 10pm, while stores in Northern Ireland will welcome shoppers from 8am until 6pm. However, opening times may vary across locations, so customers are advised to check details of their local store.
Sainsbury's
Most of Sainsbury's larger stores will close early, pulling down the shutters at 8pm instead of the usual 10pm or 11pm. The Local shops will generally be open as normal, from 7am until 11pm. Use the store locator to find your nearest branch's exact times.
Aldi
All Aldi branches are open on bank holiday Monday but will operate with reduced hours. These are most commonly 8am to 8pm. However, you are advised to check the opening and closing times for individual stores with the chain's store finder.
Lidl
Lidl stores within London and across Scotland will be open as normal today. Those outside the M25 and in Wales will open between 8am and 8pm. You can check your local store's operating times online.
Asda
Asda's large stores will operate with their standard times, though this may differ at some locations across the UK. Customers are urged to use the store finder. The chain's Living shops will be open with reduced hours. Express Petrol stores will remain open 24 hours, while ordinary Express shops will follow their ordinary opening times.
Morrisons
Morrisons stores in England and Wales will shut earlier on bank holiday Monday, with most open from 7am until 8pm. Branches in Scotland will be open as usual. The supermarket's Daily shops will also operate with normal hours. However, timings may vary between some stores, so customers are advised to check their nearest location.
