You’ve been there. It’s 10:00 AM on Easter morning, the ham is in the oven, and you suddenly realize the heavy cream for the scalloped potatoes is sitting on a shelf miles away because you forgot to grab it on Friday. Panic sets in. You start wondering if any stores are even functional today or if the entire retail world has collectively decided to take a nap. Honestly, the situation with supermarkets open on Easter Sunday is a bit of a mess because there isn’t one single rule everyone follows.
Easter 2026 falls on March 29, and while it isn't a federal holiday, it’s the one day of the year when even the biggest corporate giants might just lock their doors. If you’re used to Walmart always being there for you, or Target being your reliable backup, you might be in for a rude awakening depending on where you live. Some chains treat it like a normal Tuesday. Others treat it like the apocalypse.
The Great Grocery Divide: Who Stays Open?
Basically, the industry is split right down the middle. On one side, you have the "business as usual" crowd. These are the stores that know people always forget the rolls or need an extra bag of jellybeans.
Walmart is usually your safest bet. Most Walmart Supercenters and Neighborhood Markets stay open during their regular hours on Easter Sunday. They don't really do the whole holiday closure thing unless it’s Christmas. It’s the same story with Kroger. If you’ve got a Kroger, Ralphs, or Fred Meyer nearby, they’re almost certainly open, though their pharmacies often take the day off or close by mid-afternoon.
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Then there's the "it's complicated" group. Take Whole Foods, for example. Most locations will be open, but they love a good "modified schedule." You might find them closing at 6:00 PM instead of 9:00 PM. Trader Joe's is another one that stays open, but they often pull the "early bird" move where they shut down early so staff can get home.
Stores typically open on Easter:
- Walmart: Usually regular hours (roughly 6 AM to 11 PM).
- Kroger & Affiliates: Regular hours, but check those pharmacy times.
- Meijer: Generally open, but hours vary by department.
- Safeway / Albertsons: Most locations operate normally.
- Wegmans: Open, typically 6 AM to 8 PM.
- Stop & Shop: Usually open regular hours.
- Harris Teeter: Generally open.
Why Some Huge Chains Actually Close
It’s kinda weird to think about a massive corporation leaving money on the table, but several major players are strictly closed on Easter Sunday. Publix is the big one here. If you’re in the Southeast, don't even bother driving to Publix; they’ve made it a point for years to give their employees the day off for Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Target has also joined the "closed on Easter" club recently. It’s a relatively new-ish policy compared to their decades of being open, but they’ve decided the brand loyalty they get from being "employee-friendly" is worth the one day of lost sales.
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And then there's Aldi. They are famously closed. If you need that specific brand of knock-off chocolate eggs, you better get them on Saturday. Costco and Sam’s Club are also dark on Easter. Warehouse clubs generally don't play around with holiday hours—if it's a major holiday, they’re out.
Navigating the Pharmacy and Alcohol Laws
Even if the supermarkets open on Easter Sunday are letting you through the front door, some sections might be roped off. This is the part that trips people up every year.
Pharmacies are notorious for this. Just because the store is open 24 hours doesn't mean the pharmacist is there. Most in-store pharmacies close early (around 1:00 PM or 3:00 PM) or stay closed entirely. If you need a prescription, call before you leave the house.
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Then you have the "Blue Laws." Honestly, they’re a relic, but they’re still very real in places like Bergen County, New Jersey, or parts of the South. In these areas, even if the grocery store is open, you might find the alcohol aisle locked or covered in plastic. Some counties forbid the sale of "non-essential" goods on Sundays, which can turn a quick grocery run into a confusing maze of what you can and can't put in your cart.
The Strategy for the Last-Minute Run
If you absolutely have to go out, timing is everything.
Between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM is the "Church Rush." This is when the stores get absolutely slammed with people picking up last-minute flowers or rolls right after morning services. It’s a nightmare.
If you can wait until after 4:00 PM, the stores that are still open tend to get eerily quiet. The downside? The bakery is going to look like a ghost town. Don't expect to find a fresh-baked pie or a specific type of artisan bread at 5:00 PM on Easter Sunday.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Download the App: Before you drive anywhere, check the specific store location in its official app. The "Holiday Hours" are usually updated 48 hours in advance.
- Call the Pharmacy: If you’re picking up meds, call the direct pharmacy line, not the main store line.
- Check the Alcohol Aisle: If you're in a state with restrictive Sunday laws, Google "Sunday liquor sales [Your County]" so you aren't disappointed.
- Go Early or Late: Avoid the midday window unless you enjoy standing in a 20-minute line for a single carton of eggs.