Are shops and supermarkets open or closed on Easter Sunday?

Many supermarkets and shops traditionally close or limit their opening hours on Easter Sunday. But while many people may need to pick up a last-minute Easter essential, will any shops or supermarkets be open for them?

Government guidelines around trading for retailers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland state any shops larger than 3,000 square foot must be closed, by law, on Easter Sunday. So all major supermarkets will be shut today (April 17).

This includes registered pharmacies that sell just medicinal products and medical and surgical appliances, shops and supermarkets at service stations and farm shops that primarily sell their own produce.

Read more: Are Post Offices open on Good Friday and Easter Monday?

Supermarkets with smaller stores that are under 3,000 square foot may open - but with shorter hours than usual. Other non-essential shops, such as clothes stores, are shut until Monday April 18 at the earliest in England.

IKEA, B&Q, John Lewis and Argos are all closed today - and their opening hours differ for bank holiday Monday. It's the same case for popular shops B&M, Home Bargains and Wilko.

The Trafford Centre will also be closed on Easter Sunday. But a few stores will remain open today, although with reduced hours.

Tesco Express in Adlington will be open 6am to 11pm today, while the Co-op on Barton Road, near Trafford Park is operating from 7am until 10pm. Lidl in White City is open today from 10.30am until 5pm.