Home Bargains Announces Easter Sunday Store Closures Across England and Wales
Home Bargains has confirmed that it will temporarily close 560 of its stores in England and Wales for a full 24-hour period on Easter Sunday, April 5. This decision affects a significant portion of its retail network, though all 70 branches in Scotland will operate as usual, maintaining regular opening hours throughout the holiday weekend.
Easter Trading Hours and Customer Guidance
Shoppers can still visit Home Bargains on Good Friday and Easter Monday, with stores opening from 9am until 7pm on both days. The company has advised customers to check their local store's social media pages or call directly for the most up-to-date information on specific opening times, as hours may vary slightly by location.
Legal Requirements Under the Sunday Trading Act
The closure is in compliance with the Sunday Trading Act of 1994, which mandates that larger stores exceeding 280 square metres in size must shut on Easter Sunday. However, smaller stores are exempt from this regulation and can choose to remain open. Additional exemptions include outlets located in airports, railway stations, service stations, registered pharmacies, farms selling their own produce, motor supply shops, and suppliers of goods to aircraft.
Business Performance and Expansion Plans
Home Bargains, which employs approximately 28,000 staff members, reported strong financial results in its most recent annual figures. For the year ending June 30, 2025, sales increased by 7.9%, rising from £4,209 million to £4,541 million. This revenue growth was attributed to the launch of new stores, relocations of existing outlets, and improved performance across current locations.
Operating profit also saw a significant surge during the same period, climbing from £434 million to £492 million. Looking ahead, the company has announced plans to open a wave of new branches in 2026, indicating continued expansion and investment in its retail footprint.
