While Target, Costco, and most department stores close on Easter Sunday, CVS and Walgreens stay open with reduced hours, typically 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Walmart, Kroger, and most major grocery chains maintain regular hours, though Aldi and Publix won’t open their doors. McDonald’s, Burger King, and sit-down chains like Olive Garden operate normally, with some IHOP and Denny’s locations serving 24/7. The complete breakdown reveals which unexpected retailers break from tradition.
Key Takeaways
- CVS maintains 24-hour operations at select locations even on Easter Sunday, unlike most retailers that close or reduce hours.
- Trader Joe’s stays open on Easter at most locations nationwide, contradicting typical holiday closure expectations for specialty grocers.
- Walmart and Kroger maintain regular grocery hours on Easter Sunday while competitors like Target and Aldi close completely.
- Most fast food chains operate regular hours with Taco Bell often staying open until 1 a.m. on Easter.
- Mall-based CVS stores may close earlier than standalone locations despite the chain’s general Easter availability.
Pharmacies and Essential Services Open Easter Sunday
When Easter Sunday arrives and someone needs their prescription filled, they’ll find most major pharmacy chains remain open with modified hours. Walgreens typically operates from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., while CVS maintains longer hours with approximately 92% of locations open nationwide. These holiday pharmacy schedules ensure customers can access essential medications despite the religious observance.
Both chains offer prescription pickup services, though reduced staffing may slow processing times. CVS’s 24-hour locations remain fully operational, while Walgreens provides drive-thru options at select stores. Pharmacies maintain core functions including refills and health consultations, though limited services mean some specialty requests might face delays. For Easter 2026, which falls on March 29, customers should anticipate similar holiday scheduling patterns.
Customers shouldn’t assume all locations follow identical schedules. Mall-based CVS stores often close earlier than freestanding units, and rural locations mightn’t open at all. MinuteClinics may adjust hours or close entirely. Smart shoppers check store locators or call ahead to confirm Easter hours and prescription availability before making the trip.
Complete List of Grocery Stores Open Easter Sunday
Where can shoppers find groceries on Easter Sunday? Multiple major chains’ll welcome customers despite the holiday. Walmart, Kroger, Food Lion, and Wegmans maintain regular grocery hours nationwide, making last-minute shopping convenient. Trader Joe’s stays open at most locations, though Portland, Maine’s store represents a holiday exception.
Several chains operate with reduced schedules. Giant Eagle closes at 4 p.m., while Whole Foods shuts doors at 6 p.m. The Albertsons family of stores—including Safeway, Jewel-Osco, ACME, Vons, and Tom Thumb—remains accessible. Harris Teeter and Meijer also serve customers throughout the day.
Additional options include Lidl, Winn-Dixie, and Harveys, all maintaining Easter operations. However, shoppers won’t find Aldi, Costco, Publix, or Sam’s Club open, as these retailers close completely for the holiday.
Since individual locations may vary their schedules, customers should verify specific store hours before heading out. This particularly applies to pharmacy departments within grocery stores.
Major Retailers Closed on Easter Sunday
While grocery stores offer flexibility for Easter shoppers, most major retailers take a different approach. Department stores including Macy’s, Kohl’s, JCPenney, Belk, and Nordstrom all suspend holiday operations on Easter Sunday. These widespread store closures extend across multiple retail categories.
Warehouse clubs aren’t exempt from the trend. Costco and Sam’s Club shut their doors, while H-E-B also remains closed. Discount retailers follow suit, with Target, Aldi, TJ Maxx, and Burlington observing the holiday.
Home improvement shoppers won’t find relief either. Lowe’s and Ace Hardware close on Easter, alongside Office Depot and Office Max. Specialty retailers maintain similar policies. Best Buy’s electronics stores stay dark, while craft enthusiasts can’t shop at Hobby Lobby or Michaels. Home goods stores like HomeGoods and Marshalls also close.
The consistency across retail sectors reflects Easter’s significance as a major holiday. Shoppers planning Easter Sunday errands should complete their non-grocery purchases beforehand.
Restaurant and Fast Food Easter Sunday Hours
How do Easter Sunday dining plans change when most retail stores close? Unlike retailers, most restaurants and fast food Easter locations maintain regular operations. McDonald’s, Burger King, and Wendy’s typically open early with breakfast service, while Taco Bell stays open until 1am for late-night cravings. KFC starts serving at 10am with varying restaurant hours by location.
Sit-down chains offer full service too. Olive Garden, Red Lobster, and Texas Roadhouse welcome diners throughout the day. The Cheesecake Factory serves brunch, and Applebee’s runs kids-eat-free promotions at participating locations. For 24/7 options, Denny’s never closes, and many IHOP locations follow suit.
Smart planning helps avoid surprises. Confirming specific location hours through official channels prevents disappointment. Morning rushes hit hardest as families seek breakfast, while 2-4pm typically sees lighter crowds. Drive-thrus operate normally, though some locations modify pickup procedures. Most delivery apps work, but verification’s essential before ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Stock Markets Open on Easter Monday?
Stock markets’ Easter Monday status varies by region. US exchanges like NYSE and Nasdaq don’t close on Easter Monday, maintaining regular trading hours from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET.
However, European markets shut down completely, including CME Group’s European government bond markets and UK gilt repos.
Holiday schedules show this split: America’s financial centers stay open while Europe’s markets observe the religious holiday, creating different trading opportunities globally.
Does the Postal Service Deliver Mail on Easter Sunday?
The postal service doesn’t deliver mail on Easter Sunday, but that’s because it’s Sunday, not due to holiday operations. Unlike stock markets that observe Good Friday, USPS doesn’t recognize Easter in its holiday closures. While home improvement chains and wholesale clubs adjust store hours, postal Easter policies simply follow regular Sunday schedules.
Store policies at retailers and Apple stores may vary, but USPS treats Easter like any Sunday without special holiday closures.
Which Home Improvement Stores Stay Open on Easter?
Home Depot’s the main home improvement chain that’ll stay open on Easter, though they haven’t officially confirmed their Easter hours for 2025. While competitors Lowe’s and Ace Hardware close their doors to give employees the holiday off, Home Depot typically maintains regular operations.
Shoppers should verify specific store times using Home Depot’s locator since hours can vary by location. Those needing supplies from other retailers should plan ahead.
Do Wholesale Clubs Like Bj’s Have Consistent Easter Policies?
BJ’s doesn’t maintain consistent Easter policies across years or locations. Their Easter hours have ranged from completely closed in 2020 to various operating schedules like 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM in recent years. Each club sets its own hours, capitalizing on Easter promotions when shoppers have disposable income for holiday meals and supplies. The wholesale chain adapts its policies annually, requiring members to check specific locations rather than relying on uniform nationwide schedules.
Are Apple Stores Closed for Easter Sunday?
Apple Stores don’t maintain a uniform Easter Sunday policy across locations. While some sources claim they’re closed, many stores operate with modified hours, typically opening later than usual.
Mall-based locations follow their shopping center’s Easter hours, which vary considerably.
Unlike stock markets that close for Good Friday, Apple doesn’t classify Easter as a mandatory closure holiday.
Shoppers should verify specific store hours through Apple’s website or app before visiting.
Conclusion
Easter Sunday’s shopping landscape reflects the holiday’s significance, with most major retailers closing their doors while essential services stay operational. Shoppers’ll find pharmacies and select grocery stores maintaining limited hours for last-minute needs. Those planning Easter gatherings should prepare ahead, as options remain restricted. Fast food chains and restaurants offer mixed availability, with some welcoming diners while others observe the holiday. Understanding these patterns helps consumers navigate the day’s unique retail schedule and plan accordingly.
