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There’s a bit of bad news for anyone who’s become rather too accustomed to a Sunday trip to Mercadona. With summer officially coming to an end, the supermarket chain is returning to its normal opening hours across most of Spain.

 

More than 300 Mercadona stores changed their schedules during July and August, with many staying open later and opening their doors on Sundays and public holidays to cope with the extra demand in busy tourist areas.

 

That meant shoppers could pop in between 9am and 10pm from Monday to Saturday, while stores taking part in the summer scheme also opened on Sundays and holidays until 3pm.

 

For those of us who’ve grown rather fond of being able to do the weekly shop on a Sunday, however, that little luxury has now disappeared.

 

From September 1, most Mercadona supermarkets have returned to their regular timetable, opening from 9am to 9.30pm from Monday to Saturday. Sundays and public holidays are no longer part of the standard schedule.

 

The summer changes were particularly useful in Spain’s busiest holiday destinations, with stores in places including Benidorm, Jávea, Cullera, Oropesa del Mar and Benicàssim among those extending their opening hours. Similar arrangements were introduced in other tourist hotspots, including Ibiza, Salou and Marbella.

 

Of course, many people also support the return to Sunday closures, arguing that shop workers deserve to have a proper day off to spend with their families rather than being expected to work every weekend.

 

The return to normal hours doesn’t necessarily mean every Mercadona will follow exactly the same timetable, so it’s worth checking your local store before heading out, particularly if you’re planning a Sunday shopping trip.

 

Mercadona now has around 1,600 supermarkets across Spain, meaning opening hours can vary depending on the location.

 

So, if Sunday was your favourite day to wander around Mercadona filling your trolley, sadly it looks like you’ll have to get your shopping done another day. Summer may be over, but at least there’s always next year.

 

Image: Mercadona