Supermarket Opening Hours – What You Need to Know

Ever shown up at the shop only to find the doors locked? It happens a lot, but you can stop it with a few simple steps. Knowing the exact opening and closing times of your local supermarkets lets you plan meals, avoid rush hour, and save time. Below you’ll find practical ways to check hours, the most common schedules for big chains, and what to expect on holidays or late‑night runs.

How to Find Accurate Opening Times

The fastest way is to type the store name into Google. The search results usually show a small card with today’s opening and closing hours, plus any special notes for today’s list. If you have a smartphone, the Google Maps app does the same thing and even tells you if the store is currently open.

Most supermarkets also list their hours on their official website. Look for a “Store Finder” or “Our Stores” section, enter your postcode, and you’ll get a tailored page with the full week’s schedule. Some chains have dedicated mobile apps that push notifications when hours change – handy if you live near a store that adjusts its times seasonally.

If you prefer a quick phone call, the store’s main line is usually on the website. A short chat with a staff member will confirm any temporary closures, early closing on Fridays, or extended Sunday hours. And don’t forget the store front – the entry door often has a bright sign with the current hours.

Common Opening Times by Chain

While each shop can set its own timetable, most UK supermarkets follow a similar pattern. Here’s a quick snapshot of the typical schedule for the biggest names:

• Sainsbury’s: 7 am – 10 pm on weekdays, 8 am – 9 pm on Saturdays, 9 am – 8 pm on Sundays.
• Tesco (large stores): 6:30 am – 10 pm Monday‑Friday, 7 am – 9 pm Saturday, 8 am – 8 pm Sunday.
• Asda: 7 am – 11 pm weekdays, 8 am – 10 pm Saturday, 9 am – 9 pm Sunday.
• Morrisons: 7 am – 10 pm weekdays, 8 am – 9 pm Saturday, 9 am – 8 pm Sunday.
• Waitrose: 7 am – 9:30 pm weekdays, 8 am – 9 pm Saturday, 9 am – 8 pm Sunday.

Note that smaller local stores may open later or close earlier, especially in rural areas. Always double‑check the exact location you plan to visit.

Holiday and Late‑Night Variations

Public holidays often mean a shift in opening times. Many supermarkets move to a "Sunday schedule" on bank holidays, which usually starts later and ends earlier. For example, a store that normally opens at 7 am might not open until 9 am on a holiday.

Some chains run special late‑night hours during the Christmas season or for big sales events. Asda and Tesco frequently add a "late‑night" slot on the week before Christmas, staying open until 11 pm. Keep an eye on the store’s announcements if you plan to shop late during these periods.

When a store is closed for a public holiday, the entry sign will often display the next opening day and time. If you’re unsure, a quick call to the store’s customer service line clears up any confusion.

Finally, if you’re a regular shopper, consider signing up for a store’s newsletter. They often send out alerts about upcoming hour changes, special opening days, or unexpected closures. It’s a low‑effort way to stay ahead of the schedule.

By using these simple tools – Google, store websites, phone calls, and newsletters – you’ll never waste a trip to the supermarket again. Check the hours, note any holiday shifts, and enjoy a smoother shopping experience every time you head out.