As Easter approaches, popular arts and crafts chain Michaels is set to close all of its 1,100 stores across 49 U.S. states for 24 hours on April 20, 2025. This temporary closure is part of a broader trend among retailers, allowing employees to enjoy quality time with family during the holiday.
Michaels, along with other major retailers such as Costco, Target, and JCPenney, will observe the Easter holiday by shutting their doors, affecting shoppers looking for last-minute decorations and supplies. In contrast, some stores like CVS, Dollar General, and Home Depot plan to remain open, catering to those who might need last-minute items.
According to industry reports, this trend of closing stores for holidays, while not federally mandated, reflects a growing commitment among retailers to provide their staff with well-deserved breaks. "Despite not being a federal public holiday, numerous stores are choosing to give their employees a well-deserved break," reports the Mirror US.
Shoppers are encouraged to double-check with their local Michaels branches and other retailers for specific holiday hours, as opening and closing times may vary. The closure on Easter Sunday will limit options for those looking to purchase Easter decorations and supplies. For instance, while Michaels will be closed, The Home Depot is one of the few chains that will remain open, although it will close on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
In 2024, several retailers, including JCPenney, Kohl’s, and Target, also closed for Easter Sunday, alongside Macy’s, Michaels, and Marshalls. However, some stores like Walmart, Trader Joe’s, and Kroger stayed open during regular business hours.
As the retail landscape evolves, many chains are grappling with the challenges posed by a shift toward online shopping. Coresight Research has forecasted a bleak future for brick-and-mortar stores, predicting that as many as 15,000 locations could close by 2025, nearly double last year’s figure. The shift in consumer habits, exacerbated by the pandemic, has forced many retailers to rethink their strategies.
Scott Y. Stuart, CEO of the nonprofit Turnaround Management Association (TMA), spoke about the difficulties traditional storefront businesses face as they adapt to these changes. "Retail has always been an area of high volatility where reorganizations and restructurings are quite common," he noted. He explained that the current retail environment is particularly challenging due to a combination of factors, including the rise of online marketplaces, changes in consumer spending habits, and the impact of remote work on urban center traffic.
As shoppers prepare for Easter, they should be aware of which stores are closing and which will remain open. Here’s a rundown of the major retailers expected to close for the holiday:
- Target
- Costco
- Aldi
- Sam's Club
- Publix
- JCPenney
- Kohl's
- Macy's
- H-E-B
- Michaels
- Lowe's
- Best Buy
- Marshalls
- Five Below
Conversely, here’s a list of stores that plan to stay open on Easter Sunday:
- CVS
- Dollar General
- Whole Foods
- Home Depot
- Kroger
- Trader Joe's
- Walgreens
- Walmart
- Dollar Tree
As the holiday approaches, shoppers should plan accordingly to avoid any disruptions to their Easter shopping plans. With many stores closing, the options for purchasing last-minute items will be limited, making it essential for customers to act quickly.
In summary, while many retailers are closing their doors for Easter Sunday, shoppers can still find some open stores for their last-minute needs. However, with the ongoing challenges facing physical retail, consumers should remain vigilant and informed about the changing landscape as they prepare for the holiday.
