

Easter Sunday—April 5, 2026—is a day many people spend attending church services or gathering with family. But even on a holiday, last-minute errands happen. Whether you forgot an ingredient for dinner or need a quick store run, knowing what’s open (and what’s not) can save you a frustrating trip.
So, which retail stores are open or closed on Easter Sunday 2026? Here’s a clear breakdown to help you plan ahead.
Retail Stores Open on Easter Sunday 2026
While Easter sees more closures than most holidays, there are still plenty of stores open if you need something quickly. Many grocery chains, pharmacies, and big-box retailers choose to stay open—often with reduced hours.
Here are some popular retailers that are typically open on Easter Sunday:
- Albertsons
- BJ’s Wholesale
- CVS
- Dollar General
- Harris Teeter
- Home Depot
- Kroger (and affiliated stores)
- Meijer
- PetSmart
- Rite Aid
- Safeway
- Stop & Shop
- Tractor Supply
- Walgreens
- Walmart
- Wegmans
- Whole Foods
- 7-Eleven
These stores provide solid coverage for groceries, household goods, pet supplies, and last-minute essentials. However, many locations operate on limited holiday hours, so it’s always smart to check your local store before heading out.
Retail Stores Closed on Easter Sunday 2026
Easter Sunday is one of the few days when a large number of major retailers shut down completely. Many big-box, department, and specialty stores close to give employees the day off.
Here are some of the major retailers that are closed on Easter Sunday 2026:
- Aldi
- Apple
- Barnes & Noble
- Best Buy
- Burlington
- Costco
- Hobby Lobby
- HomeGoods
- Kohl’s
- Lowe’s
- Macy’s
- Marshalls
- Michaels
- Nordstrom
- Office Depot
- Publix
- Sam’s Club
- Staples
- Target
- TJ Maxx
- Trader Joe’s
In fact, dozens of major chains—including Target and Costco—will shut down nationwide for the full day.
Why So Many Stores Close on Easter
Unlike holidays such as Memorial Day or Labor Day, Easter is still widely observed as a religious holiday in the U.S. Because of that, many retailers choose to close rather than operate on reduced hours.
It’s also one of the few holidays—alongside Thanksgiving and Christmas—when large retail chains consistently give employees a guaranteed day off. That’s why you’ll see more closures than usual compared to other long weekends.
Tips for Easter Shopping
If you’re planning to shop around Easter, a little preparation can go a long way.
- Shop early: Saturday is your best bet for full access to all retailers.
- Expect reduced hours: Even open stores may close earlier than usual.
- Check local listings: Hours can vary by location, especially for franchises.
- Have backup options: If your go-to store is closed, know which alternatives are open nearby.
Planning ahead can help you avoid the hassle of showing up to locked doors.
Know Before You Go
Easter Sunday 2026 brings a mix of open and closed stores, with essential retailers like grocery stores and pharmacies staying open while many major chains shut down for the day. If you need to shop, your best options will be stores like Walmart, Kroger, and CVS—but don’t expect places like Target or Costco to be open.
The key takeaway? Don’t assume—check ahead. A quick look at store hours can save you time, gas, and frustration on a day meant to be relaxing.
Are you someone who plans ahead for holiday shopping, or have you ever been caught off guard by a store closure? Let us know in the comments!
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Amanda Blankenship is the Chief Editor for District Media. With a BA in journalism from Wingate University, she frequently writes for a handful of websites and loves to share her own personal finance story with others. When she isn’t typing away at her desk, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, son, husband, and dog. During her free time, you’re likely to find her with her nose in a book, hiking, or playing RPG video games.






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