As Easter Sunday approaches, Florida residents should carefully plan their outings. The commercial landscape is quite diverse, with supermarkets, stores, and shopping malls either adjusting their hours or shutting down entirely during this significant religious holiday.
While Easter is not recognized as a federal holiday in the United States, many retailers close or limit their operations due to religious and cultural customs. According to the 2020 U.S. Religion Census, the Catholic Church counts 61.8 million adherents nationwide, accounting for nearly 20% of the population, underscoring the holiday's impact on commerce.
Supermarkets like Publix, Costco, Target, Aldi, and Sam's Club will remain closed all day.
Publix, a staple in Florida, has upheld this tradition since its inception. The company states on its official site that it closes on Easter to allow employees to spend time with their families.
Additionally, major department stores and clothing retailers such as Macy's, Kohl's, JCPenney, TJ Maxx, and Lowe's will also be closed.
In contrast, Walmart and Winn-Dixie will operate on regular schedules, along with Trader Joe's, The Fresh Market, and Sprouts Farmers Market.
Latin chains like Sedano's, Presidente Supermarket, and Milam's Markets will remain open, catering to the large Hispanic community in South Florida, and providing a key option for uninterrupted shopping during the holiday.
Whole Foods Market will mostly be open from 8 AM to 8 PM, though some locations may close by 6 PM.
BJ's Wholesale Club will serve customers from 8 AM to 6 PM, and Price Choice Supermarket will have select branches open until 2 PM.
Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens will also be open, although CVS might have limited hours at certain locations.
Other stores open this Sunday include Home Depot, IKEA, Dollar General, Family Dollar, and 7-Eleven, offering convenient options for last-minute purchases.
Shopping Malls: Open or Closed?
Regarding shopping centers, five will open with special hours: Aventura Mall from 11 AM to 8 PM, Bayside Marketplace from 11 AM to 9 PM, Dolphin Mall from 11 AM to 8 PM, The Falls from 11 AM to 7 PM, and Sawgrass Mills from 11 AM to 8 PM.
Conversely, Broward Mall, Coral Square Mall, Dadeland Mall, Miami International Mall, Southland Mall, and Westland Mall will be completely closed.
Brickell City Centre will operate partially, with stores closed but restaurants and cinemas open. Government offices and many public services will also be non-operational on this day, even though Easter is not officially marked as a holiday.
Residents are advised to check specific store hours beforehand as they may vary by location. According to Telemundo 51, many supermarket chains, retail stores, and pharmacies will either close to the public or have reduced hours, despite Easter not being a federal holiday.
Easter Sunday Shopping in Florida: FAQs
Are all Publix stores closed on Easter Sunday?
Yes, all Publix stores are closed on Easter Sunday to allow employees to spend time with family.
Which major retailers will remain open on Easter Sunday?
Walmart, Winn-Dixie, Trader Joe's, The Fresh Market, and Sprouts Farmers Market will remain open.
Are pharmacies open on Easter Sunday?
Yes, CVS and Walgreens will be open, although CVS may have reduced hours in some locations.