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Bank Holiday Monday is here and many Britons will be eyeing up a trip to major retailers for home improvements - .

The likes of B&Q, IKEA, Costco and Homebase are go-to spots for families on the long-awaited days off, such as today, Monday, May 26.

These national public holidays can mean different opening hours at the nation's biggest chains, so it's best to check before heading out to avoid disappointment.

We've taken a look and put in some calls to find out how opening times will be impacted.

Ahead of the last Bank Holiday on May 5, B&Q announced on social media that all its stores would be open as normal, and told customers to check the opening hours of their local branch online.

Express.co.uk has reached out to B&Q to find out whether this is the case for May 26. B&Q Wandsworth said it is open from 8am until 8pm. But B&Q Manchester Trafford Park's hours are slightly different - 7am until 8pm.

The outlet's website has a where you can look up the branch closest to you and find out.

According to , most stores welcome customers from 7am to 8pm, though opening times vary between branches.

Many fans of furniture giant IKEA will be able to browse their huge selection at their local store on Monday, though the Swedish chain warns on its website that on some hours may be affected, and on certain holidays some may even be shut.

IKEA says on its website: "Many of our stores open on bank holidays; however, some may have limited opening hours or may be closed for certain holidays".

It directs customers to check the opening hours for their local store using its .

According to Google, IKEA stores are generally opening at either 9am or 10am today.

IKEA has been approached for more detail.

Big box retailer Costco has almost 30 branches across the UK, and has become a popular outlet since the American shopping institution arrived on British shores in the early 1990s.

According to the chain's store locator, all of its UK branches are open from 10am to 6pm for all members on Bank Holidays.

However, branches do close for Easter Sunday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day and 2nd of Jan.

According to Google, Costco stores are indeed closed until 10am today.

You can find the contact details and opening hours for your local store .

As regards Homebase, according to Google, many of its stores are permanently closed. Some are opening at 9am, such as Walton-on-Thames.

Multiple outlets are now located inside The Range stores. The Range in Croydon confirmed that it sells Homebase products and told the Express that it is open from 8am until 8pm today, as did The Range Chichester.