As Easter approaches, shoppers across Spain and the U.S. are eager to know which supermarkets and retailers will be open during the holiday weekend. With Easter Sunday falling on April 20, 2025, many businesses are adjusting their hours, leading to a mix of closures and limited openings.
In Spain, supermarket opening hours during Semana Santa (Holy Week) are notably diverse due to regional regulations. Unlike countries with uniform holiday schedules, Spain's autonomous communities and local councils dictate when stores can open, resulting in a patchwork of hours. For instance, in Malaga, where April 17, 18, and 20 are public holidays, the largest supermarket chain, Mercadona, will close most locations on these days, with a few exceptions, such as the Av. Juan Sebastián Elcano location, which will open for limited hours.
Lidl in Malaga is expected to remain open on April 17 and 18, but will close on Easter Sunday. Carrefour, on the other hand, will operate from 10 AM to 10 PM during the holiday period, while Aldi plans to open Thursday from 9 AM to 9:30 PM but will have limited hours on Friday. Local favorite Maskom will also have special holiday hours, typically closing at 2:30 PM on national holidays.
In Valencia, the situation is slightly different. Although Thursday, April 17, is not a public holiday, Easter Monday, April 21, is. This affects opening hours across the region. Mercadona will be open on Thursday but closed on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, reopening on Saturday. Carrefour stores in Valencia will be open from 10 AM to 10 PM from Friday to Sunday, but will close on Monday.
Meanwhile, in Mallorca, April 17 has been designated a business day, meaning stores can choose whether to open. Historically, major supermarkets have taken advantage of the holiday rush, but shoppers are advised to check ahead.
In Madrid, both Thursday and Friday are official holidays, and as a result, Mercadona will be closed on these days as well as on Easter Sunday. Some Carrefour locations may open on Friday, but hours will be reduced. Alcampo (Auchan) generally remains open, but holiday adjustments can occur, while Dia stores will operate with limited hours on Easter Sunday.
Barcelona's situation is similar, with Mercadona closed on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday, but open on Saturday. Smaller chains like Caprabo will remain open daily, while larger chains like Carrefour Express will provide extended hours during the holiday period.
As for the U.S., many retailers and restaurants will also adjust their hours for Easter Sunday. In Stark County, Ohio, grocery stores like Buehler Fresh Foods and Save A Lot will be open, with Buehler operating from 7 AM to 3 PM and Save A Lot from 9 AM to 5 PM. Earth Fare will be open from 8 AM to 7 PM, while Acme and Giant Eagle will have limited hours, both closing by 4 PM.
Major retailers like Walmart and Trader Joe's will maintain regular hours on Easter Sunday, while Meijer will open from 6 AM to midnight. Home Depot will be open from 8 AM to 6 PM, and Tractor Supply Co. will operate from 9 AM to 6 PM.
However, many popular stores will close for the holiday. Target, Costco, Aldi, and Sam's Club are among the major retailers that will not open their doors on Easter Sunday. Restaurants like McDonald's, Starbucks, Cracker Barrel, and IHOP will be available for those looking to dine out, but some chains like Chick-fil-A and Chipotle will remain closed.
As shoppers prepare for Easter, the message is clear: check ahead! Whether in Spain or the U.S., it’s crucial to verify store hours before heading out to avoid disappointment. With varying hours across regions and individual stores, planning ahead can ensure a smooth shopping experience.
So, whether you’re stocking up on chocolate eggs or planning a festive meal, make sure to double-check the opening hours of your favorite supermarkets and retailers. Happy Easter shopping!
