As Easter Sunday approaches on April 5, 2026, Americans across the country are preparing for one of the year’s most significant religious and cultural events. While Easter is not a recognized federal holiday in the United States—meaning banks and government offices remain open—many retailers and grocery stores adjust their schedules, with some closing their doors entirely in observance of the holiday.
This annual springtime celebration, which commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ following Lent, is marked by traditions such as church services, egg hunts, and family gatherings. But for those who find themselves in need of last-minute chocolate bunnies, eggs to dye, or even just a carton of milk, knowing which stores are open—and which aren’t—can make all the difference.
According to USA Today and Hindustan Times, a wide array of major retailers will be closed on Easter Sunday. Shoppers hoping to visit Target, Costco, Sam’s Club, Lowe’s, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, Macy’s, Nordstrom/Nordstrom Rack, JCPenney, Kohl’s, Burlington, Office Depot/OfficeMax, Michaels, Hobby Lobby, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Aldi, Apple, Banana Republic, Bath and Body Works, Best Buy, Bloomingdale’s, Bob’s Discount Furniture, The Container Store, Crate + Barrel, Five Below, Gap, Goodwill, H-E-B Grocery, The Honey Baked Ham Company, Publix, Staples, SuperCuts, and Dollar Tree will find these stores dark for the day. These closures reflect a growing trend among retailers to give their employees time off for family and religious observance, even when not legally required.
But not all doors will be shut. Several national chains, especially those in the grocery and pharmacy sectors, will keep their lights on—though hours may vary by location. Walmart, for instance, will operate regular hours on Easter Sunday, a fact confirmed by both USA Today and AS USA. Similarly, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Wegmans, and Kroger-owned stores (including Baker’s, City Market, Dillons, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, King Soopers, Ralphs, and Smith’s Food and Drug) are expected to open, though some may adjust their hours. On Cape Cod, for example, Stop & Shop stores will close earlier, at 5 p.m., while Shaw’s will maintain regular business hours, Cape Cod Times reports.
Other big names joining the open-for-business list include CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens, Family Dollar, Dollar General, Petco, PetSmart, Tractor Supply Company, Home Depot, IKEA, Bass Pro Shops, BJ’s Wholesale Club, Ace Hardware, Albertson’s, Barnes & Noble, Big Lots, Cabela’s, Fresh Market, Rite Aid, Safeway, Starbucks, and Old Navy. Again, local variations apply, so experts and retailers alike urge shoppers to check with their neighborhood stores before heading out. As USA Today notes, "Shoppers are advised to call local stores to confirm holiday hours as exceptions may occur."
For those in need of specifics, here’s a rundown of some store hours on Easter Sunday, based on information from USA Today and Cape Cod Times:
- Walmart: Open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. (check local hours)
- ShopRite: Open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. (hours vary by location)
- Home Depot: Open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- CVS: Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (check local hours)
- Walgreens: Open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Old Navy: Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Tractor Supply: Open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Family Dollar: Open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- PetSmart: Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Cabela’s/Bass Pro Shops: Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- BJ’s Wholesale Club: Most locations open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Whole Foods: Many locations open with modified hours; for example, the Hyannis store is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Stop & Shop (Massachusetts): Most stores open until 5 p.m.
- Shaw’s: Most locations open regular hours.
- Trader Joe’s: Open regular hours.
On the flip side, some regional and specialty grocers, like Market Basket and Roche Bros. in Massachusetts, will be closed for the day. The same goes for big-box favorites Target and Costco, which have consistently given their employees the day off for Easter in recent years.
Fast-food fans and coffee lovers will find some solace: McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Dunkin’ are expected to be open on Easter Sunday, though, as always, hours may differ by location. Restaurants and smaller local businesses, however, are more likely to close or operate on reduced schedules, especially in areas where Easter observance is strong.
Why all the variation? Unlike Thanksgiving and Christmas, when many states have so-called "blue laws" that restrict store openings, there are no such prohibitions for Easter. As Cape Cod Times explains, "While no state laws prevent supermarkets from opening as usual on Easter...many opt to open with limited hours to allow employees to celebrate the holiday." This flexibility means each retailer—and often each individual store—makes its own call about whether and how long to open.
For shoppers, the advice is clear: plan ahead. If you’re hoping to score last-minute Easter candy, dye kits, or that elusive spiral ham, check your local store’s website or give them a quick call. As Hindustan Times puts it, "Please verify the hours with your specific store." Even chains that are generally open may have individual locations that opt for shorter hours or full closure, especially in smaller towns or areas with a strong religious community.
It’s worth noting that while Easter falls on a different date each year—always the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after March 21—its status as a "moveable feast" in the Christian liturgical calendar adds to the confusion for both retailers and shoppers. In 2026, the holiday lands on April 5, but next year it will arrive earlier, on March 28, 2027, as reported by USA Today.
For those who do venture out, expect to find some stores busier than usual, as last-minute shoppers scramble for forgotten essentials or treats. But with a bit of planning—and perhaps a phone call or two—Easter Sunday can be as smooth as a chocolate bunny’s coat.
Whether you’re celebrating with family, attending services, or just enjoying a quiet Sunday, knowing the retail landscape can help keep the holiday stress-free. After all, Easter may not be a federal holiday, but for millions of Americans, it’s a day that matters deeply—both in spirit and in tradition.