Several Nationwide Retailers Will Be Closed Across Iowa Easter Sunday

If you’re planning to run errands or do some shopping on Easter Sunday this year, you might want to plan ahead. A long list of major retailers across Iowa will be closed on April 20th as part of a 24-hour “shopping blackout,” according to a recent report from the mirror.

Stores like Target, Five Below, Costco, Aldi, Macy’s, JCPenney, Kohl’s, and several others have all announced they’ll shut their doors for the day to give employees a much-needed break.

Get our free mobile app

Retailers Closed Easter Sunday:

• Aldi
• Best Buy
• Costco
• Five Below
• H-E-B
• JCPenney
• Kohl's
• Lowe's
• Macy's
• Marshalls
• Michaels
• Publix
• Sam's Club
• Target
• TJ Maxx

Closing up might seem like a loss for stores, but it can actually make financial sense. Since most people spend the day with family or at church, foot traffic is usually low. In some cases, staying open might cost more than it brings in. Plus, giving employees the day off boosts morale and helps reduce turnover, which saves money over time.  Additionally, with more people shopping online, stores don’t always need to be open every day. In many cases, closing for a holiday is just a smart move in general.

This move isn’t just about observing the Easter holiday. It’s about giving retail workers a chance to breathe, relax, and spend time with loved ones. And honestly, more stores should take the opportunity to do the same. It sends a positive message to customers that the company values its workers, which can build long-term loyalty.

There’s something really human about a company choosing to pause operations, even briefly, so employees can enjoy a moment of peace with their families. Let’s face it: Easter may not be a federal holiday, but for many, it’s a meaningful day. Even if you’re not religious, it’s still a chance to slow down, reconnect, and at least share a meal together.

Some folks might grumble about the inconvenience, but the truth is, it's perfectly manageable. All it really takes is a bit of planning ahead. Buy your eggs and chocolate bunnies a day or two early. Make your grocery run before the weekend. It’s a small, simple effort that allows someone else to have a Sunday off.

For those who still need to shop, a few stores will remain open, including CVS, Dollar General, Whole Foods, Home Depot, Kroger, Trader Joe’s, Walgreens, Walmart, and Dollar Tree. But if you can, maybe skip this trip and enjoy the pause yourself. At the end of the day, giving people time off to rest should never feel like a radical idea. It should be the norm in this never-ending rat race of the Joneses.