Summary
Today is Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, and many people are looking to finish their holiday shopping or pick up last-minute items. While some major stores like Walmart remain open for business, several other large retailers have decided to close their doors for the day. This guide explains which stores are open in Illinois and across the country so you can plan your day without making a wasted trip. Knowing these hours helps families manage their holiday needs while respecting the schedules of retail workers.
Main Impact
The decision by major companies to close on Easter Sunday has a big effect on how people shop. For many years, most big stores stayed open nearly every day of the year. Now, more companies are choosing to give their employees the day off to spend time with their families. This means that if you usually shop at places like Aldi or Costco, you will need to find an alternative today. While this is good for workers, it requires shoppers to be more organized and check store hours before they leave the house.
Key Details
What Happened
Retailers across Illinois, including those in the Peoria area, have updated their schedules for the Easter holiday. Most grocery stores and big-box shops follow a national policy, meaning their hours in Illinois will match their stores in other states. While gas stations and convenience stores almost always stay open, the largest shopping centers are split on whether to welcome customers today. It is important to remember that even if a store is open, its pharmacy or photo center might have different hours or be closed entirely.
Important Numbers and Facts
Here is a list of major retailers and their status for Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026:
- Walmart: Most locations are open during their regular hours, typically from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
- Costco: All warehouses are closed today. This is a standard policy for the company on major holidays.
- Aldi: All stores are closed today to allow staff to have a holiday break.
- Target: All stores are closed. Target has made it a tradition to close on Easter for the past several years.
- Sam's Club: All locations are closed today.
- Meijer: Most stores are open, but they may have shorter hours than usual.
- Kroger and Jewel-Osco: Most of these grocery stores remain open, though some may close early in the evening.
- Walgreens and CVS: Most locations are open, but you should call ahead to check if the pharmacy is staffed.
Background and Context
Easter is one of the few holidays in the United States where widespread store closures occur. Unlike some other holidays where sales are the main focus, Easter often sees a shift toward family time. In the past, almost everything was closed on Sundays, but that changed as the world became more focused on 24-hour convenience. Recently, the trend has started to shift back. After the global health events of a few years ago, many companies realized that giving employees guaranteed days off helped keep them happy and reduced the number of people quitting their jobs.
Public or Industry Reaction
Most shoppers have grown used to these closures. While it can be annoying to realize you forgot to buy milk or eggs, many people support the idea of workers getting a break. On social media, discussions often show a mix of people asking for open locations and others praising companies like Target and Costco for staying closed. Retail experts say that closing on Easter does not hurt a company’s profits much because people simply buy what they need a day or two earlier. This "holiday rush" on Friday and Saturday usually makes up for the lost sales on Sunday.
What This Means Going Forward
We can expect this trend of holiday closures to continue in the future. As long as labor remains a challenge for big companies, offering holidays off will be a key way to attract new workers. Shoppers should get into the habit of checking mobile apps for their favorite stores. Most retailers now update their holiday hours in their apps several days in advance. If you live in Illinois, you might also see local local shops and smaller grocery stores closing to give their small teams a rest, making big chains like Walmart the primary option for emergencies.
Final Take
If you need to shop today, Walmart and major local grocery chains like Meijer are your best options. However, if you were planning a trip to Costco, Aldi, or Target, you will have to wait until Monday morning. Taking a few minutes to check a store's website or app can save you time and gas today. Most stores will return to their normal operating hours tomorrow morning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Walmart open on Easter Sunday?
Yes, Walmart is generally open during its normal business hours on Easter Sunday. Most stores operate from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM, but you should check your local store for any specific changes.
Why is Costco closed today?
Costco closes its warehouses on several major holidays every year, including Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. This is a company-wide policy to give their employees a scheduled day off.
Are pharmacies open on Easter?
Many pharmacies inside grocery stores may be closed even if the store is open. Large chains like Walgreens and CVS usually keep their front stores open, but pharmacy hours may be limited. It is best to call the pharmacy directly before visiting.
