Heads up! Store closures in Hungary on 20 August: Major retailers Aldi, Lidl, Tesco, and where to shop

This year, 20 August falls on a Tuesday, and as it’s a national holiday in Hungary, most shops will be closed. Here’s a summary of the opening hours for major chains like Aldi, Auchan, CBA, Lidl, Spar, and Tesco, as well as pharmacies, gas stations, and smaller stores for both Monday and Tuesday.

Since 20 August is a holiday, and the preceding Monday is a compensatory day off (already made up for earlier in August), the long weekend brings adjustments to store hours across the country.

Aldi. Photo: depositphotos.com

Most large retail chains will remain closed on 20 August, Pénzcentrum reports. However, exceptions include smaller convenience stores located at gas stations and those operating 24/7, as well as some smaller chain stores. Here’s a breakdown of the opening hours for key chains:

• Aldi: Stores will be closed on Tuesday, 20 August, and will reopen on Wednesday, 21 August, with their usual hours.
• Auchan: Similarly, Auchan stores will close on Tuesday and resume regular operations on Wednesday.
• CBA: CBA stores will follow the same pattern, being closed on Tuesday and returning to normal hours on Wednesday.
• Lidl: Lidl stores will not open on Tuesday, 20 August, but will operate as usual starting Wednesday.
• Penny: Penny stores will close on Tuesday and reopen as per their standard schedule on Wednesday.
• Spar and INTERSPAR: All Spar and INTERSPAR stores will also be closed on 20 August but will be back to regular hours on 21 August. However, Spar Express locations at OMV gas stations will remain open during the holiday.
• Metro: Metro stores will observe the holiday by closing on 20 August, reopening on 21 August with their normal hours.
• Tesco: Tesco stores will be closed on Tuesday, except for those located within Shell gas stations, which will stay open. Normal hours will resume on Wednesday, 21 August.

For pharmacies, most will be closed on 20 August, so it’s important for those in need of medication to plan ahead. Emergency pharmacies will still operate, and their locations can be found through the National Institute of Pharmacy and Nutrition’s search tool.

As for gas stations, convenience stores at gas stations will remain open. In Budapest, 24-hour shops like Roni and Manna will also continue operating. The opening hours for privately owned small stores will vary based on the owner’s decision, so customers should check with individual stores.

Overall, with many stores closing for the holiday, planning ahead is essential for those needing to shop or purchase medications.

Read also:

• Where to shop during Hungary’s 20 August long holiday
• Major traffic disruptions in Budapest for 20 August celebrations

Featured image: depositphotos.com