Target, Giant, Safeway: Easter Grocery Store Hours In Virginia

VIRGINIA — The Easter holiday will look different due to the new coronavirus outbreak as gatherings of more than 10 people are banned. However, some grocery store employees working during the crisis will get a break for Easter like in past years.

The holiday will also be the first day that multiple major stores will be closed in Virginia since the coronavirus crisis began in the United States.

On the one hand, companies are closing stores to allow employees to properly observe the religious holiday. However, it also allows some of the nation’s largest retailers to give their workers a much-needed day at home.

Trader Joe’s announced the Easter Sunday closure of its stores nationwide on its website, “to give our incredible Crew Members a much-needed day of rest.”

In a similar vein, BJ’s Wholesale Club said in a statement that all locations will be closed “to give team members a day to rest and recharge.”

Here are the stores that will be closed around Virginia on Easter Sunday:

• Aldi
• BJ’s Wholesale
• Costco
• Lowe’s
• Publix
• Sam’s Club
• Sears
• Target
• Trader Joe’s
• Shoppers

However, many stores are choosing to remain open April 12. Here are the retailers that have said they will be open for business on Easter Sunday:

• Wegmans
• Safeway
• Harris Teeter
• CVS
• Giant Food
• Lidl
• Food Lion
• Fresh Market
• Rite-Aid
• Walmart
• Whole Foods

Check your local stores for individual hours as well as hours reserved for vulnerable individuals. Although some stores will be open on Easter Sunday, people should not forget safe social distancing practices as they celebrate the religious holiday during Virginia's stay-at-home order and ban of gatherings over 10 people. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public places where physical distancing is hard to maintain.

One alternative to attending church in person is to view livestreamed or recorded services for Easter Sunday. For example, Pope Francis’ Holy Week celebrations, including Mass on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, will be livestreamed.

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Check with your church to see how you can view Easter Sunday services in the safety of your home.

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