You’re standing in the kitchen, realize you forgot the fancy mustard for the ham or a last-minute basket filler, and wonder if it's even worth starting the car. Easter Sunday is one of those weird "in-between" holidays. It isn’t a federal holiday like Christmas, but for the retail world, it might as well be.
Honestly, the answer to are malls open on Easter isn't a simple yes or no. It’s more of a "probably not, but check the side door."
The Great Retail Blackout
If you’re planning a big shopping spree on Sunday, April 5, 2026, you might want to pivot. Most major indoor shopping malls in the United States—think the massive Simon, Brookfield, or Macerich properties—traditionally shut their main doors for Easter.
It's a bit of an unwritten rule in the industry. Big players like Target, Macy’s, and Costco have solidified a policy of staying closed. They’ve realized that the cost of staffing a massive department store on a day when most people are at brunch or church just doesn't pencil out.
But here is where it gets tricky.
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While the "mall" as an entity might be officially closed, the "outparcels" (those buildings in the parking lot) or stores with exterior entrances often play by different rules. You might find the AMC Theater or the Cheesecake Factory attached to the mall humming with life while the sliding glass doors to the food court are locked tight.
Why 2026 Feels Different for Shoppers
We are seeing a massive shift in how retailers handle these "optional" holidays. In 2026, the retail landscape is leaner. With companies like Macy's and Kroger shuttering hundreds of underperforming locations this year, the stores that remain are being much more protective of their profit margins.
Paying holiday overtime on a slow Sunday? Forget about it.
Who is actually staying open?
If you're in a pinch, you've still got options. Basically, if it’s essential or "convenience-based," it’s probably open.
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- Walmart: Most locations generally stay open, though often with reduced hours (think 7 AM to 8 PM).
- Drugstores: CVS and Walgreens are the old reliables. Most are open, but the pharmacy counter itself might close early.
- Grocery Stores: This is a regional toss-up. Kroger and Meijer usually stay open. Publix and Aldi? They almost always close their doors to give staff a break.
The Regional Wildcard
You’ve also got to consider where you live. If you're in a state with "Blue Laws"—which are basically old-school regulations that restrict Sunday activities—you’re definitely staying home. Parts of New Jersey (looking at you, Bergen County) or certain pockets of the South still have strict rules about what can be sold on a Sunday, holiday or not.
In places like Australia or Canada, the rules are even tighter. In New South Wales, for instance, Easter Sunday is a restricted trading day. Most shops are legally required to be closed. In Canada, don't expect the Eaton Centre to be welcoming you with open arms; most provinces see a total retail shutdown on both Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
What Most People Get Wrong About Mall Hours
People often assume that if the mall website says "Open," every store inside is open.
That is a trap.
Individual store leases often allow tenants to opt-out of holiday hours. Even if the mall corridors are open for "mall walkers" or specific events, your favorite boutique might decide to stay dark.
I've seen it happen a dozen times: someone drives forty minutes to a suburban mall because the Google listing said "Open," only to find that the only thing operating is a lonely Starbucks and the movie theater.
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Making a Game Plan for Easter Weekend
If you actually need to get stuff done, Saturday is your best friend. Retailers call it "Super Saturday" for a reason. Most malls will stay open later than usual the night before Easter to catch the procrastinators.
- Check the App, Not Just Google: Google Maps is great, but it’s often updated by users or AI that misses the "holiday" nuance. The official mall app or website is usually more accurate.
- Call the "Anchor": If you’re heading to a mall specifically for a store like Nordstrom or JCPenney, call them directly. If the anchor store is closed, the mall is effectively a ghost town.
- Look for "Lifestyle Centers": Open-air shopping centers (the ones that look like little fake downtowns) are more likely to have open shops and restaurants than traditional indoor "box" malls.
Basically, 2026 is the year of "verify before you drive." With the retail industry in a state of flux and store closures hitting the news every week, assuming your local mall is following the same schedule it did three years ago is a recipe for a wasted gallon of gas.
Stock up on your candy and egg dye by Friday. If you find yourself needing a mall on Sunday, you’re likely going to be staring at a "Closed" sign and a very empty parking lot.
Actionable Next Steps:
To avoid a wasted trip, download the Simon or Brookfield Properties app today to check the specific 2026 holiday calendar for your local zip code. If you need groceries, confirm your local Kroger or Walmart hours via their "Store Locator" tool at least 24 hours in advance, as many locations are pivoting to a 6:00 PM closure this year.