As Easter Sunday approaches on April 20, 2025, retailers across the United States are finalizing their plans for holiday hours. While some stores will close for the day to allow employees to spend time with their families, others will remain open with reduced hours. This holiday, commonly referred to as a “retail blackout” in certain industries, raises questions for shoppers looking to plan their weekend.
A significant number of well-known retailers have announced they will close their doors on Easter Sunday in observance of the holiday. These closures reflect the ongoing trend of offering workers a break to enjoy the religious and cultural significance of the day with family.
Among the major retailers closing on Easter Sunday are Costco and Sam’s Club. Both warehouse chains will close all their locations, allowing their employees to spend the day off. Costco, with more than 600 stores in the U.S., will follow suit with its usual policy of shutting down on certain holidays. Similarly, Sam’s Club will also close all its stores nationwide, affecting its substantial customer base that typically frequents the membership-based retailer for bulk shopping needs.
Aldi, the popular discount grocery chain, will also close all of its nearly 2,500 stores across the country, marking another significant shutdown for the day. In the same vein, Target has confirmed it will close its doors for Easter Sunday, as has Macy’s, which operates more than 400 regular stores and smaller outlets. Best Buy, a major electronics retailer, will also join the ranks of stores closing on the holiday.
Other notable closures include the home improvement chain Lowe’s, department store chains TJ Maxx and Marshalls, and supermarket giant Publix. All these retailers have stated their intention to pause regular operations on Easter Sunday, providing employees the chance to enjoy the holiday.
While many stores close on Easter Sunday, several retailers will remain open, though often with altered operating hours. Shoppers who find themselves in need of supplies or last-minute essentials can rely on certain stores, which will maintain their usual schedules or adjust only slightly.
Walmart, one of the largest retailers in the U.S., will keep its stores open on Easter Sunday, operating during normal business hours. Similarly, Kroger, which owns a variety of grocery store chains such as Ralphs, Fred Meyer, and Harris Teeter, will maintain operations on Easter Sunday, though customers are encouraged to verify local hours as they may vary by location.
Trader Joe’s, another well-loved grocery chain, will remain open on Easter Sunday, making it an excellent option for those seeking specialty or organic products. Similarly, Home Depot will operate on the holiday, though customers should check with their local stores to confirm opening times.
Pharmacy chains Walgreens and CVS will also be open, with most locations continuing their regular operations. However, some stores may have reduced hours, particularly those with pharmacy sections that close early. For those seeking a quick trip for necessities, dollar stores like Dollar General and Family Dollar will also remain open, maintaining normal operating hours.
For grocery shoppers, Albertsons and Safeway will keep most locations open, but again, customers should verify local hours to avoid surprises. Whole Foods Market, another go-to for health-conscious shoppers, will also remain open, though some locations may adjust their operating hours.
Convenience stores like 7-Eleven will continue their 24/7 operations, providing easy access to snacks, drinks, and essential goods no matter the time of day or night. Meijer, a large regional retailer, will be open from 6 a.m. to midnight, and Piggly Wiggly, a supermarket chain primarily in the South, will close early at 4 p.m.
As Easter Sunday approaches, shoppers should be aware that store hours will vary, with many retailers adjusting their schedules. It’s a good idea to check store websites or call ahead to confirm hours before planning a trip. For those who don’t want to risk facing a closed store, online shopping is a convenient alternative, with many stores offering delivery or pick-up options.
For essential items, consider shopping ahead of time, particularly if you rely on larger retailers like Costco or Target, which will close their doors for the day. Shoppers who miss the opportunity to stock up before the holiday may find themselves limited in their choices on Easter Sunday.
By staying informed about store hours and planning ahead, consumers can avoid unnecessary frustration and ensure they have everything they need for the holiday weekend.