Greggs’ high street takeover
Greggs first launched in 1951, after being founded by John Gregg.
After expanding rapidly throughout the twentieth century, it acquired the Bakers Oven chain in 1994 and took over their 165 stores.
By 2011, there were 1,500 branches of Greggs and that number has since rocketed to 2,500.
Greggs opened their biggest store in 2022, when they unveiled their landmark eatery in Primark, Birmingham.
The chain opened a sister cafe at their Oxford Street store, complete with neon lights and futuristic TV menus.
It also collaborated on a designer range of clothes with Primark and continues to update its menu.
Greggs also offers seasonal promotions, including personalised gift boxes for Mother’s Day.
Easter at Greggs
Unlike many high street stores, many of Greggs’ branches will remain open over the Easter period.
Shops including Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Asda had previously announced that they will close on Easter Sunday.
Easter Sunday in 2025 falls on April 20, much later than previous years.
However, many Greggs have chosen to remain open.
That means you can swap Easter eggs for sausage rolls, if you’re looking for a different way to celebrate the holiday.
The chain will also remain open on Good Friday and Easter Monday.
Bank holidays in the UK
The UK has several bank holidays still to come in 2025, once the Easter period is over.
England and Wales
- April 18, 2025 – Good Friday
- April 21, 2025 – Easter Monday
- May 5, 2025 – Early May bank holiday
- May 26, 2025 – Spring bank holiday
- August 25, 2025 – Summer bank holiday
- December 25, 2025 – Christmas Day
- December 26, 2025 – Boxing Day
Scotland
- April 18, 2025 – Good Friday
- April 21, 2025 – Easter Monday
- May 5, 2025 – Early May bank holiday
- May 26, 2025 – Spring bank holiday
- August 25, 2025 – Summer bank holiday
- December 1, 2025 – St Andrew’s Day
- December 25, 2025 – Christmas Day
- December 26, 2025 – Boxing Day
Northern Ireland
- April 18, 2025 – Good Friday
- April 21, 2025 – Easter Monday
- May 5, 2025 – Early May bank holiday
- May 26, 2025 – Spring bank holiday
- July 14, 2025 – Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day) (substitute day)
- August 25, 2025 – Summer bank holiday
- December 1, 2025 – St Andrew’s Day (substitute day)
- December 25, 2025 – Christmas Day
- December 26, 2025 – Boxing Day
Easter Sunday 2025 – Shop opening times
Most supermarkets will be operating reduced hours over the Easter period.
Supermarkets including Asda, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and M&S will all be closing on Easter Sunday but will run limited hours on Good Friday and Easter Monday.
Petrol stations will also adjust their hours, as will high street staples including Next and Primark.
Eateries like Greggs and homeware stores including B&M and Home Bargains will also change their opening times over Easter.
