B&Q has confirmed that it will be closing 250 of its stores for 24 hours, in a matter of days.
With the bank holiday just around the corner, many Brits will be hoping to tackle DIY jobs this long weekend.
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However, you could be left with a nasty surprise if you pop to your local B&Q this Sunday.
The DIY store will shut all shops in England, Wales and Northern Ireland on Easter Sunday, whilst stores in Scotland will remain open.
So if you need any bits to do up your home and garden, it’s advisable to head to B&Q before the weekend.
It is extremely common for retailers to alter their opening hours during bank holiday weekends, to allow customers a well earned break.
And larger stores in England and Wales have no choice in the matter, as they are required by law to close on Easter Sunday and Christmas Day.
The 24-hour closure rule applies to any shop bigger than 280 square metres.
Government laws also affect shop opening times on Sundays, with larger stores only allowed to open for six consecutive hours, between 10am and 6pm.
B&Q will operate with normal trading hours on Good Friday, Easter Saturday and Easter Monday.
Most branches will be open from 7am to 8pm, but hours can vary from branch to branch, so it is advisable to check your local B&Q’s opening hours.
Other Store Closed Over Easter
And B&Q isn’t the only store that will be closed for 24 hours over the weekend, with stores such as Aldi, Tesco and Sainsbury’s also shutting shop.
Lidl will be shutting 848 stores on Easter Sunday, with only those in Scotland to remain open.
Morrisons will be closing 289 stores in England and Wales on Sunday, with its smaller stores remaining open.
All Aldi stores in England and Wales will close over Easter Sunday, with stores in Scotland to remain open.
On Good Friday and Easter Saturday, Aldi supermarkets will be open from 8am to 10pm, with stores operating reduced hours (from 8am to 8pm) on Easter Monday.
Why do retailers close on Easter Sunday?
A legal mandate in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland dictates that all store locations over 280 square metres are required to close on Easter Sunday.
The Sunday Trading Act 1994 restricts the opening hours of larger stores on Sundays.
Smaller shops, under 280 square metres, are not subject to this law but many still choose to close to give their staff a break.
These rules also apply to locations on Christmas Day.
Scotland does not have specific restrictions on operating hours for these days.
Tesco will be closing 800 of its UK supermarkets on Easter Sunday, with Tesco Metro’s and Tesco Express stores remaining open.
All large stores in England and Wales will be closed on April 20, whilst stores in Scotland will operate normal trading hours.
Asda will also shut the doors to 580 of its larger stores on Easter Sunday, for a period of 24 hours.
As with the other supermarkets. its Express stores will remain open, and all stores in Scotland will operate with Sunday trading hours.
And for anyone hoping to get some last minute bargains in over the Easter weekend, B&M will also be shutting 650 of its stores on Easter Sunday.
Bargain hunters in Scotland will be pleased to know that stores will remain open as usual.
Boots will operate reduced hours at most of its stores on Good Friday and Easter Saturday, with branches open from 10am to 8pm.
On Easter Sunday, all stores in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will be closed for the day, while Scottish branches will remain open as usual.
The full list of stores remaining open on Easter Sunday can be found here.
