As families across Western New York prepare for Easter Sunday on April 5, 2026, many are finalizing their brunch menus and community plans. Whether you are hunting for a forgotten ingredient for a holiday dinner in Amherst or need a last-minute pharmacy run in downtown Buffalo, the Lake Erie Times has compiled a comprehensive guide to help you navigate holiday closures.
While Easter remains a significant day for retail workers to spend time with family, many national chains and local favorites maintain operations, albeit sometimes with modified hours. Here is the definitive list of what to expect across the region this holiday.
At a Glance: Easter 2026 Store Status
| Store / Chain | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wegmans | Open | Check local WNY locations for specific hours. |
| Walmart | Open | Regular operating hours expected. |
| Target | Closed | All locations nationwide. |
| Costco | Closed | One of seven annual holiday closures. |
| Aldi | Closed | Most locations closed to observe the holiday. |
| CVS Pharmacy | Open | Pharmacy hours may vary from store hours. |
| Walgreens | Open | Most locations open; check 24-hour sites. |
Retailers and Grocery Stores Closed on Easter
To ensure their employees can observe the holiday, several major retailers will shutter their doors across Western New York on Sunday, April 5. If you need supplies from these vendors, be sure to visit by Saturday evening.
- Aldi
- Best Buy
- The Container Store
- Costco
- Dick’s Sporting Goods
- Hobby Lobby
- HomeGoods
- Kohl’s
- Lowe’s
- Macy’s
- Marshalls
- Michaels
- Nordstrom & Nordstrom Rack
- Publix
- Sam’s Club
- Target
- T.J. Maxx
Retailers and Grocery Stores Open on Easter
Many essential services and grocery staples will remain accessible. We recommend calling ahead to your local Buffalo or suburban branch, as some locations may operate on a “holiday schedule” with reduced hours.
- 7-Eleven
- BJ’s Wholesale Club
- CVS
- Dollar General
- Family Dollar
- Home Depot
- Kroger (including affiliate brands)
- Meijer
- Petco & PetSmart
- Rite Aid
- Starbucks
- Trader Joe’s
- Walgreens
- Walmart
- Wegmans
- Whole Foods
Common Easter Shopping Questions
Is Wegmans open on Easter Sunday?
Yes. A staple for Western New York shoppers, Wegmans locations are typically open on Easter. However, specialized departments like the pharmacy or catering desk may have limited hours. It is advisable to check the Wegmans app for your specific store in Erie or Niagara County.
Are Target and Walmart open?
There is a split between the two retail giants: Walmart will be open for business as usual. Conversely, Target has historically closed all U.S. stores for Easter Sunday to give team members a day off, and that policy remains in effect for 2026.
Will Buffalo area malls be open?
Most major shopping centers in the region, including the Walden Galleria and Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls, may have limited holiday hours, though many individual anchor stores like Macy’s will be closed. Entertainment venues and restaurants within the mall perimeters often remain open.
Is Costco or Sam’s Club open?
No. Both Costco and Sam’s Club locations in the Buffalo region will be closed on Easter Sunday. Membership holders should plan to finish their bulk shopping by Saturday.
Are pharmacies open for emergencies?
Most CVS and Walgreens locations will be open. For those requiring urgent prescriptions, 24-hour locations are the most reliable option. Be aware that the pharmacy counter itself may close earlier than the main retail floor.
The Lake Erie Times provides this information for planning purposes. While our team, including reporter William Strasmore, strives for absolute accuracy through direct verification, we recommend contacting local businesses directly to confirm specific holiday hours. This report is part of our commitment to keeping Western New York informed on regional news and community updates.
