UK retail giant to close 560 shops in April | UK | News

A retail giant is set to shut 560 branches for 24 hours in April. The popular chain, which has 630 shops across the UK, has confirmed that stores in England and Wales will close for a day.

Home Bargains shops will be closed on Easter Sunday (April 5) as the budget retailer gives staff a well-deserved break. A spokesperson for the company confirmed to the Daily Express that all 70 stores in Scotland will remain open as usual on Easter Sunday while the rest of the shops across the UK will shut. As there are 630 shops nationwide, this means 560 branches will be closed on the day.

Meanwhile, Home Bargains, which employs around 28,000 staff, will be open on Good Friday with reduced hours from 9am until 7pm. Stores will also be open on Easter Monday with the same hours.

For Easter Sunday, the company said: “Our stores in Scotland will open as usual; however, all of our other stores will be closed.”

Under the Sunday Trading Act 1994, shops over 280 square metres in size are legally obliged to close on Easter Sunday. It is the same act that mandates closure on Christmas Day in order to ensure staff have a day off.

However, smaller stores are exempt from the act and can remain open. Shoppers are advised to call or check their social media pages for updates on opening hours.

There are other exemptions, including airport and railway station outlets, service stations, registered pharmacies and farms selling their own produce. Outlets selling motor supplies and suplliers of goods to aircraft can also remain open on Easter Sunday.

Home Bargains continues to expand its number of stores across the UK. It has a strong density in the North West but has opened new stores throughout the nation in recent years.

The company, which is known for being a leading discount retailer, grew from 594 stores in 2023 to 617 by the end of 2024. it currently has 630 stores across the UK and aims to eventually reach between 800 and 1,000 branches.