What every chain does on Easter Sunday
| Chain | Store | Pharmacy |
|---|---|---|
| CVS | Sunday hours observed | Sunday pharmacy hours observed |
| Walgreens | Sunday hours observed | Sunday pharmacy hours observed |
| Rite Aid | Sunday hours observed | Sunday pharmacy hours observed |
| Walmart Pharmacy | Regular Supercenter hours, 6:00am–11:00pm | Pharmacy regular Sunday hours, 10:00am–6:00pm |
| Costco Pharmacy | Closed | Closed |
| Kroger Pharmacy | Sunday hours observed | Sunday pharmacy hours observed |
| Publix Pharmacy | Open with regular Sunday hours, 7:00am–10:00pm | Pharmacy 11:00am–6:00pm |
Why Easter Sunday pharmacy hours change
Easter Sunday sees most pharmacies open with Sunday or shortened holiday hours. Costco is the major exception — every warehouse and pharmacy is closed. Chain pharmacies build their holiday calendar around two factors: federal holiday observance for staffing premiums, and corporate policy on which holidays the entire workforce gets the day off. Costco, Publix, and Walmart all close on the largest closure holidays out of corporate policy. CVS and Walgreens keep their 24-hour pharmacies open year-round, which is why those two chains dominate the "open on Christmas" search results in major metros.
Holiday hours rarely match the front-store hours one-to-one. Even when the store is open, the pharmacy counter requires a licensed pharmacist on duty, and that staffing is the most expensive line item to fill on a holiday. Expect the pharmacy counter to open later and close earlier than the front store on every holiday this site covers.
Easter Sunday prescription pickup tips
- Refill 48 hours ahead. Holiday week always runs slow.
- Check the chain app for your specific store's holiday status — chain-wide policies don't always apply to franchised or licensed locations.
- Identify your nearest 24-hour pharmacy in advance: Walgreens 24-hour, CVS 24-hour.
- If your prescription is at a closed chain, any open pharmacy can transfer it in minutes.