As Easter Sunday approaches on April 5, 2026, Americans across the country are gearing up for family gatherings, festive brunches, and—inevitably—last-minute dashes to the store for forgotten ingredients or essentials. But not every retailer will welcome customers with open doors this holiday. Knowing which stores are open or closed can make all the difference between a smooth holiday and a frustrating wild goose chase.
Unlike Thanksgiving and Christmas, when most retailers shut down almost entirely, Easter presents a patchwork of open and closed stores, with hours often varying by location. According to USA Today, a number of major chains will remain open, while many others will observe the holiday by closing their doors. If you’re planning a grocery run or need to pick up a prescription, here’s what you need to know before heading out.
First, the basics: Easter Sunday falls on April 5, 2026—a date that won’t occur again for Easter until 2037, as noted by the Des Moines Register. This year, the holiday lands at a time when spring celebrations are in full swing, but that doesn’t mean every store will be in business as usual.
Let’s start with the big names that will be closed. According to USA Today, Costco, Target, Sam’s Club, Best Buy, Macy’s, Kohl’s, Nordstrom, HomeGoods, Marshalls, T.J. Maxx, The Container Store, Dick’s Sporting Goods, H-E-B, Hobby Lobby, Michaels, Natural Grocers, and Publix will all be shuttered for the day. The Des Moines Register adds that Fareway and Natural Grocers in Clive will also be closed, and Office Depot and The Honey Baked Ham Company are on the closed list, according to ClickOnDetroit.
Costco’s closure is part of a long-standing tradition. As ClickOnDetroit points out, Easter Sunday is one of seven holidays when Costco closes all its U.S. warehouses. Sam’s Club, another warehouse giant, will also be closed, as confirmed by both USA Today and the Des Moines Register. Target, a favorite for everything from groceries to last-minute gifts, will not open its doors either.
But don’t despair—plenty of options remain for those in need. Walmart, the nation’s largest retailer, will be open for regular hours on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, according to all three sources. Kroger and its family of stores—including Baker’s, City Market, Dillons, Food 4 Less, Foods Co, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, Gerbes, Jay C Food Store, King Soopers, Mariano’s, Metro Market, Pay-Less Super Markets, Pick’n Save, QFC, Ralphs, Ruler, and Smith’s Food and Drug—will also be open, though some locations may operate with reduced hours. USA Today recommends checking with your local store for specifics.
Trader Joe’s, beloved for its quirky products and friendly atmosphere, plans to keep most locations open on Easter, generally from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., as reported by the Des Moines Register. Whole Foods, another go-to for groceries, will be open as well, with the West Des Moines store operating from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hy-Vee, a Midwest staple, will keep its grocery stores and Fast and Fresh locations open during normal hours, though these may vary by location.
For those in Iowa’s capital, several local and regional grocers will be open. C Fresh Market in Des Moines will maintain its usual hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and both Cash Saver locations will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Gateway Market and Fresh Thyme in West Des Moines will also be open, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Price Chopper stores will follow suit, welcoming customers from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Easter Sunday. Fareway, however, remains closed, honoring its tradition of closing every Sunday.
Pharmacies are another area where holiday hours can cause confusion. Walgreens will be open on Easter Sunday, but hours vary by location. CVS is also expected to be open, but again, it’s wise to check with your local store. According to USA Today, many pharmacies inside grocery stores may have different hours from the main store, so a quick phone call could save you a wasted trip.
Beyond groceries and pharmacies, several big-box and specialty retailers will welcome shoppers. 7-Eleven, Dollar General, Big Lots, BJ’s Wholesale, Family Dollar, Food Lion, Giant Eagle, Golden Corral, Harris Teeter, Home Depot, IHOP, IKEA, Lidl, McDonald’s, Meijer, Petco, PetSmart, Safeway, Starbucks, Taco Bell, Wegman’s, and Wendy’s are all listed as open by USA Today and ClickOnDetroit. However, hours may be reduced, and some individual locations might close for the holiday—so again, double-check before heading out.
For those planning a leisurely Easter brunch or dinner out, many restaurant chains will be open. Cracker Barrel, Burger King, Domino’s, Dunkin’, Golden Corral, IHOP, McDonald’s, Starbucks, Taco Bell, and Wendy’s are among the national chains expected to serve customers, according to USA Today. Still, it’s always a good idea to confirm hours directly, as some franchises may opt to close or shorten their day for the holiday.
It’s worth noting that while some stores are open nationally, individual locations—especially in smaller towns or regions with different holiday customs—may choose to close. Both USA Today and ClickOnDetroit emphasize the importance of calling ahead to confirm hours, as local managers sometimes make decisions based on their community’s needs or staffing availability.
Why do some retailers stay open while others close? The answer often comes down to a mix of tradition, company policy, and regional demand. Companies like Costco and Target have long prioritized giving employees major holidays off, while others, such as Walmart and Kroger, see Easter as an opportunity to serve customers who may need last-minute supplies or simply want to keep their routines intact. Smaller chains and independent grocers, especially in areas with large populations celebrating Easter, often remain open to meet the needs of their communities.
For shoppers, the best advice is to plan ahead. Make a list, check it twice, and if you find yourself in need on Easter Sunday, consult your local store’s website or give them a call. With so many options open—especially among grocery, pharmacy, and convenience stores—most Americans should be able to find what they need without too much trouble.
As families gather and communities celebrate, the landscape of open and closed stores on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, reflects both the enduring traditions of the holiday and the evolving needs of modern shoppers. Whether you’re hunting for eggs or just a carton of milk, knowing where to go can help keep your holiday plans on track.