Primark has confirmed that every one of its stores across England, Wales and Northern Ireland will close for more than 24 hours next month as part of its Easter trading arrangements.
The budget fashion retailer, which operates more than 190 stores across the UK, announced that only its Scottish locations will open to customers on Easter Sunday.
A Primark spokesperson said: “On Easter Sunday only stores in Scotland will be open and all stores in England, Wales and Northern Ireland will be closed.”
The temporary closure will affect the vast majority of the retailer’s clothing outlets, which normally welcome shoppers throughout the week.
The decision is linked to rules set out under the Sunday Trading Act 1994, which restrict the opening hours of large shops on certain days of the year.
Under the legislation, stores larger than 280 square metres are required to remain closed on Easter Sunday in England and Wales.
The same restrictions also apply in Northern Ireland, meaning Primark outlets there will shut for the day as well.
Scotland operates under different rules, meaning retailers north of the border are not required to close on Easter Sunday.
Stores must close under trading laws
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PAAs a result, Primark stores located in Scotland will continue to trade as normal while branches elsewhere remain closed.
Shoppers planning trips over the Easter weekend have been advised to check their local opening hours in advance to avoid disruption.
Primark stores are expected to close at 10pm on the Saturday evening before Easter Sunday and will not reopen until Easter Monday morning.
That means many branches will be shut for more than 24 hours before welcoming customers again.
The store will then remain closed on Easter Sunday before reopening to customers on Monday morning
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In London, Primark’s Oxford Street store is expected to open from 8am until 10pm on Good Friday, April 3, and again from 8am to 10pm on Saturday, April 4.
The store will then remain closed on Easter Sunday before reopening to customers on Easter Monday morning.
Primark’s Marble Arch branch is scheduled to follow the same pattern, operating between 8am and 10pm on both Good Friday and Saturday before shutting for the full day on Easter Sunday.
Opening hours may vary depending on the location of individual stores, meaning customers are being encouraged to confirm details with their nearest branch before travelling.
A Primark spokesperson advised shoppers to check the retailer’s official website for the latest opening times.
The spokesperson said this would help customers plan their visits and avoid unnecessary journeys during the Easter weekend closure.
The Sunday Trading Act 1994 also places restrictions on large stores during regular Sundays throughout the year.
Under the law, large retailers are permitted to open for a maximum of six consecutive hours between 10am and 6pm on Sundays.
Only Scottish branches will remain open
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Smaller shops are not subject to the same rules and are able to trade without the six-hour restriction.
Primark stores typically open seven days a week, making the Easter Sunday closure one of the few occasions during the year when many of its branches remain shut.
Customers intending to shop with the retailer during the Easter weekend are therefore being urged to plan their visits accordingly.