pressing pause

Retail Blackout 2025: Check here if your go-to store is closing for Easter Sunday

What's this 'retail blackout' on April 20 all about?

APRIL 7, 2025 10:03 AM EDTAPR 7, 2025, 10:03 AM EDT

If you're planning a big grocery run, a last-minute Easter basket fix, or just like wandering the aisles of Target for fun (relatable), you might want to hit pause. April 20 is Easter Sunday, which means we're getting a full retail blackout in many places. This means that many of your favorite stores will be closed all day.

So, why the shutdown? Simple: Major retailers give employees the day off to spend with their families. It's sweet, honestly. And if that means we can't shop for a day, we'll survive.

Honestly, it's kind of nice to see businesses pressing pause and letting folks chill with their families, even if it means we have to plan ahead for once.

So, who's closing and staying open for business as usual?

Stores That Are Closed on April 20 for Easter Sunday

These major retailers are tapping out for the day — doors shut, lights off, no shopping carts in sight:

Target: Yep, every single one of its nearly 2,000 stores will be closed. We won't be able to browse the dollar section.
Costco: The land of bulk everything is shutting down, as they always do on Easter.
Sam's Club: Over 600 locations will be dark. No rotisserie chicken or sample stops here.
Publix: If you're craving a sub, grab it the day before.
ALDI: Affordable snacks? Not on April 20.
JCPenney: Whether you were headed for a last-minute outfit or love a good clearance rack, no dice.
Kohl's: No Kohl's Cash burning a hole in your wallet today.
Macy's: The Easter parade isn't making a stop here.
H-E-B: Texas folks, even your beloved H-E-B is taking the day off.
Michaels: Got a sudden urge to craft a bunny wreath? Gotta wait.
Lowe's: Garden plans? DIY dreams? Pause.
Best Buy: No tech browsing or impulse speaker purchases.
T.J. Maxx & Marshalls: No treasure hunt through the aisles on Easter Sunday.

If you were thinking of doing anything that required a cart or checkout line, make Saturday your shopping day instead.

These Stores Will Still Be Open on Easter Sunday

Not everyone's shutting their doors, though. Some stores are keeping the lights on, just maybe with reduced hours, so double-check your local spot.

Walmart: Yep, still open. Walmart rarely closes, and Easter's no exception.
CVS: Last-minute Easter candy and cards? You're covered.
Walgreens: A solid backup if CVS is looking picked over.
Dollar General: Budget shopping continues.
Dollar Tree: Same deal. It is still open and still affordable.
Trader Joe's: Open, but don't expect to browse leisurely.
Whole Foods: For the organic carrot cake crowd.
Home Depot: Got the DIY itch? Home Depot's here for it.
Kroger: Stock up on jellybeans and ham while you can.

But again, check your local store's hours. Just because they're open doesn't mean they're keeping their regular schedule.

April 20 is Easter Sunday, which means we're getting a full retail blackout in many places. This means that many of your favorite stores will be closed all day.

Wait, Is This a New Thing?

Not really. The idea of a "retail blackout" on major holidays has been gaining traction for a while. More stores are closing on days like Thanksgiving and Christmas too. Target actually made Thanksgiving closures permanent in 2021. It's part of a bigger trend of companies showing a little love to their workers.

Not everyone's shutting their doors, though. Some stores are keeping the lights on, just maybe with reduced hours, so double-check your local spot.

Honestly, it's kind of nice to see businesses pressing pause and letting folks chill with their families, even if it means we have to plan ahead for once.