Primark Confirms Store Closures Across UK This April: Here's Why and How It Will Affect You

Shoppers planning to pick up budget-friendly fashion or home essentials during the upcoming Easter bank holiday should take note: Primark has confirmed that many of its stores across the United Kingdom will temporarily close. All branches in England, Wales and Northern Ireland will shut their doors for a full day, while stores in Scotland will remain open.

The retailer, which operates nearly 200 stores across the UK and is widely known for its affordable clothing and homeware, normally trades seven days a week. However, this time customers will find the doors closed for 24 hours. Here is why the closure is happening and what it could mean for your shopping plans.

Why Is Primark Closing Its Doors for 24 Hours in April?

For those who are wondering, the nationwide closure of Primark is a scheduled event rather than a response to financial or operational difficulties.

As reported by the Daily Express, the retailer will close its branches' doors on Easter Sunday, 5 April 2026, to ensure staff can enjoy a day off during the bank holiday weekend.

A Primark spokesperson said: 'Primark stores across the UK will be open across the Easter weekend, however on Easter Sunday, only stores in Scotland will be open and all stores in England, Wales and Northern Ireland will be closed.'

They added, 'Stores may also be operating different hours to normal, so we recommend that customers check our website for their local store opening times before visiting to avoid disappointment.'

What is the Sunday Trading Act of 1994?

Although not stated in the statement, the decision for 24-hour closure is also rooted in the Sunday Trading Act of 1994.

Under this legislation, retails premised with a sales area exceeding 280 square metres in England and Wales are legally required to close on Easter Sunday.

Because of this, Primark branches that have a vast majority exceeded the size threshold must comply with the law, which is designed to provide retail employees with a guaranteed break during major religious holidays.

Why Scotland Is Not Affected

As mentioned in the statement, Scotland is not part of the closure, although Primark didn't say the reason.

Scotland is not bound by the Sunday Trading Act 1994, which means they are permitted to continue their business as usual during Easter Sunday.

What Shoppers Need to Know Before Visiting

While the mandated closure lasts for the full duration of Easter Sunday, some stores' closure might last more than 24 hours as they will begin to shut down on the evening of Saturday, 4 April, and will not reopen until the morning of Easter Monday, 6 April.

To paint a clear picture for shoppers, the Primark store on Oxford Street, for example, is open from 8:00am until 10:00pm on both Good Friday, 3 April, and Saturday.

But it will then be closed from 10:00pm on Saturday until it reopens at 8:00am on Easter Monday, 6 April, as the Mirror reported.

While the Primark Marble Arch will be open 8:00am to 10:00pm on both Good Friday and Saturday. It will then be closed from 10:00 pm on Saturday until it reopens at 8:00 am on Easter Monday.

If you are planning a trip to Primark for last-minute Easter outfits or home essentials, the closure may require a bit of planning ahead.

Customers should also expect increased foot traffic in town centres and shopping malls in the days leading up to the holiday.

To ensure you are not caught off guard, the retailer has advised customers to check the opening times of their specific local branch before travelling.