Grocery workers get a break: Target, Publix, Trader Joe’s among stores closing on Easter

With grocery store employees working in stressful conditionsduring the coronavirus pandemic, many will receive a reprieve on Easter Sunday.

Several national chains have announced they will be closed on Easter — April 12 — to give their employees a break. Target is among the stores who will lock their doors on Easter Sunday, Today reported.

Trader Joe’s also posted on its website it will be closed “to give our incredible Crew Members a much needed day of rest.”

Costco, Sam’s Club and Publix are traditionally closed on Easter, and will observe the holiday again this year. Publix is closed just three days a year, Sam’s Club four days a year, while Costco closes seven days a year.

“Historically, we have this time off in order to allow our associates an opportunity to spend time we family and friends,” Maria Brous, director of communications at Publix, told Today. “As we are in unprecedented times, we realize social distancing may change the way we celebrate, but we will remain closed for the holiday.”

Lowe’s also announced the closure of its stores on Easter.

“We want to provide our teams with a much-deserved day off to spend Easter Sunday with their families and loved ones and recharge,” the company said in a statement. “We will take steps to ensure that no hourly associate loses scheduled hours or has a reduction in pay as a result of closing on Sunday. I want to personally thank our 300,000 associates who have helped families stay safely at home. Their actions are nothing short of heroic.”

Aldi stores, except for its California locations, will also be closed on Easter, the store says.

Today has a list of stores open on Easter, which includes Walmart and Whole Foods.

Some grocery stores across the country have reduced their hours amid the coronavirus pandemic. Others have opened early for older shoppers, and some are limiting the number of customers in their stores to promote social distancing.

Grocery stores have been deemed essential businesses and have remained open during a time when many of the nation’s residents are being asked to stay at home except for trips to grocery stores, pharmacies or doctor’s appointments.

Some stores, including Kohl’s, Macy’s and IKEA, have closed during the pandemic and are only offering delivery or pick-up services.

This story was originally published April 1, 2020 at 1:47 PM with the headline "Grocery workers get a break: Target, Publix, Trader Joe’s among stores closing on Easter."