U.S. Stores to Remain Open on Palm Sunday, April 13, 2025: What to Expect

As Palm Sunday approaches on April 13, 2025, marking the start of Holy Week for Christians worldwide, many Americans may wonder about the operational status of stores and businesses across the United States. Unlike major federal holidays such as Christmas or Thanksgiving, Palm Sunday is not a public holiday, meaning most retail, dining, and service establishments are expected to maintain their regular Sunday hours. Below is a detailed look at what shoppers and consumers can anticipate, along with considerations for planning your day.

Palm Sunday: A Religious Observance, Not a Federal Holiday

Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem, an event celebrated by Christians with church services, processions, and the distribution of palm fronds. While it holds significant spiritual importance, particularly for Catholics, Protestants, and other Christian denominations, it does not trigger widespread closures in the U.S. Unlike Thanksgiving or Independence Day, which prompt many businesses to shut down or adjust hours, Palm Sunday is treated as a typical Sunday for most commercial operations.

This aligns with the broader pattern for religious observances in the U.S., where only Christmas and, to a lesser extent, Easter Sunday (April 20, 2025) typically influence retail schedules. Easter Sunday may see some stores close or open later to accommodate morning services, but Palm Sunday, a week earlier, rarely prompts such changes.

Retail and Dining: Business as Usual

Based on established trends and the absence of Palm Sunday as a federal or state holiday, here’s what to expect from various sectors on April 13, 2025:

• Major Retailers: Chains like Walmart, Target, Costco, and Best Buy are likely to operate on standard Sunday hours, typically opening between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM and closing between 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM, depending on the store and location. For example, Walmart’s typical Sunday hours are 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM, and Target often runs from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
• Grocery Stores: Supermarkets such as Kroger, Safeway, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe’s should follow their usual Sunday schedules, with most open from early morning (6:00 AM or 7:00 AM) to late evening (9:00 PM or 10:00 PM). This ensures shoppers can stock up for Holy Week meals or Palm Sunday gatherings.
• Pharmacies and Convenience Stores: CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid, along with convenience chains like 7-Eleven, are expected to remain open, often with extended hours (e.g., 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM for pharmacies). These stores cater to last-minute needs, from medications to household essentials.
• Restaurants and Cafes: National chains like Starbucks, McDonald’s, and Olive Garden, as well as local eateries, will likely maintain regular Sunday hours. Fast-food outlets typically open early (6:00 AM or 7:00 AM) and close around midnight, while sit-down restaurants may operate from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM or later. Some may even offer Palm Sunday specials or brunch menus to attract worshippers post-service.
• Malls and Department Stores: Shopping centers and stores like Macy’s, Nordstrom, and Kohl’s are expected to open, with hours mirroring a typical Sunday (e.g., 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM for malls, 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM for department stores).

Regional and Local Variations

While the vast majority of businesses will stay open, there are a few factors that could influence hours or operations:

• Local Religious Observances: In communities with strong Christian traditions, particularly in the Bible Belt or areas with large Catholic populations, some smaller businesses may choose to close early or open later to allow owners and employees to attend Palm Sunday services. For instance, a family-owned bakery in a rural town might close from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM during church hours.
• Store-Specific Policies: Certain retailers, especially those with conservative or faith-based ownership, may adjust schedules. Chick-fil-A, famously closed on all Sundays regardless of religious events, will remain shut on Palm Sunday, as per its long-standing policy.
• Urban vs. Rural Differences: Major cities like New York, Los Angeles, or Chicago are less likely to see disruptions, with stores adhering to standard hours due to high demand. In contrast, rural areas may have fewer open businesses, especially if local customs prioritize worship over commerce.

To avoid surprises, consumers are advised to check store hours in advance. Most retailers provide this information on their websites or apps, and a quick call can confirm specifics for local shops or restaurants. For example, Walmart’s store locator or Target’s app allows users to verify hours by ZIP code, while OpenTable can show restaurant availability.

Planning Your Palm Sunday

For those balancing religious commitments with errands or leisure, Palm Sunday’s open stores offer flexibility. Morning church services, often held between 8:00 AM and noon, leave ample time for shopping or dining later in the day. Many families use the occasion to host gatherings, making grocery stores and restaurants key stops for supplies or meals.

If you’re attending a Palm Sunday event, consider these tips:

• Shop Early or Late: Midday (11:00 AM to 2:00 PM) may see crowds at stores near churches, as worshippers head out post-service. Early morning or evening trips can avoid rushes.
• Look for Promotions: Some retailers may offer Holy Week-themed discounts, like deals on baked goods or spring apparel, especially at grocery stores or department chains.
• Check Event Schedules: If your area hosts Palm Sunday processions or festivals, nearby businesses might adjust hours or face parking constraints. Local news or community boards on platforms like X can provide updates.

No Connection to Broader Headlines

The question about store hours doesn’t appear tied to earlier topics, such as Kevin De Bruyne’s openness to new football projects, Katy Perry’s rumored space trip, or the Premier League matches (Chelsea vs. Ipswich, Liverpool vs. West Ham) on April 13, 2025. Those events, centered on sports and entertainment, don’t influence retail operations, and Palm Sunday’s status as a non-holiday ensures stores remain unaffected by such developments. For context, De Bruyne’s comments reflect his career plans, while the football matches are afternoon fixtures in the UK (2:00 PM BST), irrelevant to U.S. store schedules. Similarly, even if Perry’s Blue Origin flight were confirmed for April 14, it wouldn’t impact commerce on the 13th.

Final Thoughts

Palm Sunday, April 13, 2025, will see U.S. stores, restaurants, and services operating as they would on any Sunday, offering convenience for shoppers and worshippers alike. Whether you’re grabbing groceries for a family dinner, hitting the mall for spring shopping, or dining out after church, expect standard hours with minor local variations. To be certain, verify with specific businesses, especially smaller ones, as regional customs may play a role.

As Holy Week begins, Palm Sunday sets the stage for a reflective yet active day, with open stores ensuring your plans—spiritual or practical—run smoothly. If you’re curious about specific retailers, local events, or how Palm Sunday might affect other plans (e.g., watching Premier League games), let me know, and I’ll dig deeper!

Note: This article assumes no unforeseen disruptions (e.g., extreme weather or policy changes) that could alter store operations. For real-time updates, checking store websites or local news is recommended.