Will Stores in the USA Be Open on Easter Sunday 2025? Here’s What You Need to Know

Easter Sunday, set for April 20, 2025, is one of the most significant holidays in the Christian faith, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. For many Americans, it’s a time for family gatherings, religious services, and festive traditions like Easter egg hunts and brunches. However, if you’re planning to shop for last-minute Easter supplies—whether it’s candy, groceries, or decor—you may find that many stores across the USA adjust their hours or close entirely to observe the holiday. This growing trend, sometimes called a “retail blackout,” reflects retailers’ efforts to prioritize employee well-being by giving workers time to celebrate with their families. Here’s a comprehensive guide to which stores will be open or closed on Easter Sunday 2025, along with tips to help you plan your holiday shopping.

The Retail Blackout Trend

In recent years, major retailers have increasingly chosen to close on major holidays like Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. This shift began gaining momentum in the early 2020s, with companies like Target announcing permanent Thanksgiving closures in 2021 and extending similar policies to Easter. The rationale is simple: give employees a well-deserved break to enjoy the holidays. Retail giants like Target, Costco, and Lowe’s have publicly emphasized their commitment to this approach, and many others have followed suit. As a result, Easter Sunday has become a day when many stores shut their doors, creating a patchwork of open and closed locations that shoppers need to navigate carefully.

Stores Likely to Be Closed on Easter Sunday 2025

A significant number of major retailers will close their doors on April 20, 2025, to honor the holiday. Below is a list of stores that have confirmed closures or are expected to be closed based on their historical practices and recent announcements:

• Target: All nearly 2,000 Target stores nationwide will be closed, allowing employees to spend the holiday with their families.
• Costco: All Costco warehouses will be closed, consistent with their tradition of closing for major holidays.
• Sam’s Club: All Sam’s Club locations will be closed, aligning with their parent company Walmart’s holiday policies.
• Lowe’s: All 1,751 U.S. stores will be closed for 24 hours as a gesture of appreciation for employees.
• Macy’s: All Macy’s department stores will be closed.
• T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, Sierra, and Homesense: These stores, part of the TJX company, will be closed across the country.
• Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack: All locations will be closed.
• JCPenney: All JCPenney stores will be closed.
• Kohl’s: All Kohl’s department stores will be closed.
• Belk: All Belk stores will be closed.
• Burlington: All Burlington stores will be closed.
• Office Depot and OfficeMax: All stores will be closed.
• Aldi: All Aldi grocery stores will be closed, as is their custom for Easter.
• Publix: All Publix supermarkets will be closed, following their tradition of closing on Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
• Hobby Lobby: Expected to be closed, based on their consistent history of Easter Sunday closures.
• Barnes & Noble: Expected to be closed, as they have typically shuttered stores on Easter in past years.

These closures reflect a broad commitment among retailers to prioritize employee well-being, but they can catch shoppers off guard if they’re unprepared. If you rely on any of these stores for Easter essentials, plan to shop by Saturday, April 19, 2025.

Stores Likely to Be Open on Easter Sunday 2025

While many retailers close, several stores—particularly grocery chains, pharmacies, and select big-box retailers—will remain open, often with regular or reduced hours. However, hours can vary by location, and some stores may be subject to mall or regional policies. Always check with your local store via their website, store locator, or by calling ahead. Here’s a list of stores expected to be open on Easter Sunday 2025:

• Walmart: Open during regular hours, as Walmart rarely closes for holidays, making it a reliable option for last-minute shopping.
• Home Depot: Open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., though hours may vary slightly by location.
• IKEA: Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., offering a chance to shop for home goods.
• Petco: Open during regular hours, ideal for pet supplies.
• PetSmart: Open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Tractor Supply Co.: Open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• REI: Open from noon to 6 p.m., catering to outdoor enthusiasts.
• CVS: Many CVS locations will be open, though some may operate with reduced hours. Pharmacy hours may differ, so check locally.
• Walgreens: Most Walgreens stores will be open, often with regular Sunday hours, but pharmacy hours may be limited. Confirm with your local store.
• Dollar General: Open, typically with regular hours, providing budget-friendly options.
• Dollar Tree: Open, typically with regular hours, great for affordable Easter basket fillers.
• Trader Joe’s: Open during regular hours (8 a.m. to 9 p.m.), though some locations may close early. Use the store locator for specifics.
• Whole Foods: Most stores will open at regular times but close early at 6 p.m. Check your local store’s hours online.
• Kroger Family Stores (e.g., Kroger, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, King Soopers): Most stores will be open, typically with regular hours, but confirm locally.
• Wegman’s: Open during regular hours, offering a premium grocery shopping experience.
• Harris Teeter: Open during regular hours.
• Winn-Dixie: Open during regular hours.
• Harveys Supermarket: Open during regular hours.
• Meijer: Open from 6 a.m. to midnight, a convenient option for Midwest shoppers.
• Food Lion: Open during normal business hours.
• Albertsons Banner Stores (e.g., Safeway, Albertsons, Jewel-Osco, Vons, Tom Thumb): Most stores will be open, but hours may vary by location.
• Giant Eagle and Market District: Open but close early at 4 p.m., with in-store pharmacies closed all day.
• 7-Eleven: Most locations will be open, often 24/7, but confirm local hours.
• Ace Hardware: Independently owned, so some stores may be open while others are closed. Call your local store to verify.
• Sephora: Some stores, particularly those in malls, may be open, but hours depend on mall schedules. Use the store locator to confirm.

Special Considerations for Shoppers

Navigating Easter Sunday shopping requires some foresight, as store policies and hours can vary. Here are key factors to keep in mind:

• Mall-Based Stores: Retailers like Sephora, American Eagle, or other mall-based stores may be open if the mall itself is operating. However, their hours will align with the mall’s schedule, which often includes reduced hours on Easter. Check with your local mall or use the store’s online locator for details.
• Pharmacies: CVS and Walgreens are reliable bets for pharmacy needs, but some locations may close their pharmacy counters while keeping the retail section open. Reduced pharmacy hours are common, so verify in advance.
• Local Variations: Hours can differ significantly by region, especially for independently owned stores like Ace Hardware. Always double-check with your local store to avoid surprises.
• Delivery Services: If you’d rather skip the in-store crowds, consider delivery options. Services like Walmart Plus or Amazon Prime offer same-day delivery from Walmart, Whole Foods, or Amazon Fresh, making it easy to get Easter essentials without leaving home.

Why Are So Many Stores Closing?

The “retail blackout” trend is driven by a growing emphasis on employee well-being. Retailers like Target, Lowe’s, and Costco have cited the desire to give workers time to celebrate with their families as a key reason for closing on Easter. This shift reflects broader changes in the retail industry, where companies are responding to employee and consumer expectations for more balanced holiday policies. The trend has been particularly pronounced since the COVID-19 pandemic, which prompted retailers to rethink their holiday operating strategies.

Tips for a Stress-Free Easter Shopping Experience

To ensure you have everything you need for Easter Sunday 2025, follow these practical tips:

1. Shop Early: With many major retailers closed, aim to complete your shopping by Saturday, April 19, 2025. Stock up on groceries, Easter basket items, and decor in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
2. Verify Store Hours: For stores that are open, confirm hours using official websites, store locators, or by calling ahead. Reduced hours are common on Easter, and local variations can catch you off guard.
3. Prioritize Open Stores: If you need last-minute items, focus on reliable options like Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, or grocery chains like Kroger or Trader Joe’s, which are likely to be open.
4. Use Delivery Services: Take advantage of same-day delivery from Walmart Plus, Amazon Prime, or other services to avoid crowded stores and ensure you get what you need.
5. Plan for Essentials: If you’re hosting an Easter brunch or dinner, prioritize groceries and supplies from stores that remain open, such as Whole Foods or Meijer, and double-check their closing times.

Final Thoughts

Easter Sunday 2025 will see a mix of store closures and limited openings, with major retailers like Target, Costco, and Publix closing to observe the holiday, while others like Walmart, CVS, and Kroger remain open to serve last-minute shoppers. The “retail blackout” trend underscores a growing focus on employee well-being, but it also means shoppers need to plan ahead to avoid disruptions. By checking store hours, shopping early, and considering delivery options, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free Easter celebration.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always verify with your local store, as policies and hours can change. If you need specific details about a particular store or region, feel free to ask, and I can help refine the information to suit your needs. Have a happy and festive Easter!