B&M, Dunelm, Home Bargains & Primark (Image: Getty Images (Various))
With a three-day weekend on the cards for most Brits, some might have a spare bit of time to do some shopping. From updating their wardrobe to sprucing up the house, different shops will cater for different needs.
But, on Monday, May 4 2026, the typical rules for shopping in popular high street chains like B&M, Dunelm, Home Bargains and Primark will vary. The bank holiday is not forcing any of these big shops to close for the day, unlike when shops close up for Christmas or parts of Easter.
Instead, opening and closing hours might change depending on where people live in the country. People should double-check with their local stores to make sure they are not caught out by arriving too early – or late – to shop.
B&M
B&M’s website confirms stores will be open on Monday, May 4, but hours may vary. For example, most stores will be open on Monday from as early as 8am and open up until 8pm.
In some locations, branches may choose to open from 9am or close as early as 6pm. The B&M Store Locator on its official website can help figure out how your local branches will operate.
Unlike Easter Sunday, when Scottish stores stay open and English stores close, for the May Bank Holiday, Scotland typically follows the same reduced hours as the rest of the UK, though some branches may stay open slightly later.
Because B&M does not follow a standard set of opening times in all of its stores, it is best for shoppers to check locally for details about their nearest B&M.
Dunelm
For the May Bank Holiday on Monday, Dunelm stores across the UK will also be running on reduced hours. Normally, during the week, Dunelm stores tend to stay open until 9pm but bank holidays see significant changes to both opening and closing times.
Most stores will close early in England, Wales and Northern Ireland will have the shutters down from 6pm, but it is best to check online if local stores have slightly different times on offer. Scottish stores often stick to normal Monday hours during ‘English’ bank holidays, but the May holiday dates sometimes differ and match up with stores nationwide.
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Home Bargains
Home Bargains stores across the UK will also be closing early on Monday, May 4, but tend to keep to its usual opening times across the country. People should be able to shop normally as if it were any other Monday, but need to be aware that stores may close several hours ahead of its standard weekday schedule.
Most stores will close at 6pm, but the store locator tool can confirm any differences in your local area. Scottish Home Bargains branches often stick to the regular operating hours on May bank holidays, staying open until 8pm or later.
Primark
For Primark, stores will be open on different hours than usual this bank holiday, May 4. Most stores will open between 9am and 10am before closing up earlier than usual, from 6pm in some cases.
Primark stores in Scotland often keep to normal Monday hours, though smaller town-centre branches may still opt for a 6pm finish. Look online for specific details about the Primark stores in your area.