As Easter Sunday unfolds across the nation on April 20, 2025, many consumers are caught in a web of confusion regarding which retail stores will remain open. This year, a nationwide boycott dubbed "Economic Blackout 2.0" has prompted protests against major retailers like Walmart, CVS, and Starbucks, leading to uncertainty about store operations during the holiday.
While many people celebrate Easter, the boycott aims to challenge retailers that have scaled back on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies. This protest has raised questions about the availability of essential goods and services during a holiday when many families gather to celebrate.
Despite the boycott, numerous retailers have chosen to keep their doors open on Easter Sunday. Home Depot, for instance, announced that its stores would operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on this holiday. A representative from Home Depot confirmed, "We are here for our customers, especially during busy times like Easter." Similarly, Walmart will be open during regular hours, allowing shoppers to stock up on last-minute items.
Other retailers such as BJ’s Wholesale Club, Kroger, Whole Foods, CVS, and Stop & Shop will also be open, providing consumers with options for their holiday shopping needs. However, it’s important for shoppers to check local store hours, as they can vary by location.
For those looking to avoid the crowds, Wegmans is another option, with all locations remaining open throughout the day. Starbucks, while many locations will be open, has reminded customers that store hours may vary based on business and customer needs.
In contrast, several major retailers have opted to close their doors in observance of the holiday. Lowe’s, for example, has decided to close to show appreciation for its associates. A spokesperson stated, "We consider ourselves an Associate-friendly company and are pleased to give our employees time to enjoy Easter with family and friends." Other stores like Marshall’s, Costco, Aldi, Macy’s, Kohl’s, Target, TJ Maxx, and HomeGoods have also chosen to close for the day.
In Massachusetts, the situation mirrors the national trend. Many local supermarkets and retail stores are closed, including TJX’s TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods. The company emphasized its commitment to its associates by allowing them to spend time with their families. Big Y and Roche Bros. have also closed all their stores for the holiday, with Roche Bros. stating, "We will be closed all day to let associates spend time with their families."
However, not all stores in Massachusetts are closed. Stop & Shop will be open with special hours from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., although its pharmacy will not be in operation. Shaw’s and Star Market will also remain open during regular business hours, but their pharmacy departments will be closed. BJ’s Wholesale Club will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with some variations in club hours.
Across the country, other grocery chains have made similar decisions regarding their operations on Easter Sunday. While some stores like Aldi, Costco, and Target will close, others such as Walmart, Kroger, and Trader Joe’s will remain open, catering to the needs of consumers who may have forgotten essential items for their Easter celebrations.
Interestingly, the trend of closing stores on Easter has sparked discussions on social media, with many arguing that employees deserve time off to spend with their families. One Reddit user noted, "The trend is companies giving their employees a day off to spend with their families regardless of whether they celebrate the holiday. People deserve time off." Another user added, "When they open, people criticize. When they close, other people criticize. Each business should do as they want, and everybody else should just work around it."
As the holiday continues, consumers are reminded to check the hours of their local stores to avoid disappointment. Many retailers will resume normal business hours on Monday, April 21, 2025, allowing shoppers to catch up on any missed purchases.
In summary, Easter Sunday in 2025 presents a mixed bag for consumers looking to shop. While some retailers embrace the holiday spirit by closing their doors, others remain open, ensuring that shoppers have access to the goods they need. The ongoing discussions about employee rights and corporate policies continue to shape the retail landscape, making this Easter a noteworthy occasion for both consumers and businesses alike.
