In a move that underscores its commitment to employee well-being, Lowe’s Companies, Inc., one of the largest home improvement retailers in the United States, has announced that all 1,751 of its U.S. stores will be closed for 24 hours on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025. This decision, aimed at allowing its approximately 300,000 associates to spend the holiday with their families, continues a tradition that has been in place for several years and aligns with a growing trend among major retailers to prioritize work-life balance during significant holidays.
A Tradition of Holiday Closures
Lowe’s decision to close on Easter Sunday is not a new development but part of an established practice. The company has consistently shuttered its stores on major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, and 2025 will mark at least the sixth consecutive year that Lowe’s has closed for Easter. “Lowe’s stores will be closed on Easter Sunday, April 20th, to show appreciation to Lowe’s associates for their dedication to serving our customers,” a company spokesperson stated. “This day off will give our associates the opportunity to spend some extra time with their loved ones.”
Marvin Ellison, Lowe’s chairman and CEO, emphasized the importance of recognizing the hard work of the company’s employees. “I’m extremely proud of the commitment of our 300,000 associates who support our communities while providing excellent customer service—not only in spring but all year-round,” Ellison said. “In recognition of our teams’ continued hard work, we are pleased to provide a well-deserved day off so they can spend Easter with their loved ones.”
A Broader Retail Trend
Lowe’s is not alone in this approach. The 2025 Easter closure places the retailer alongside other major chains like Costco, Target, Aldi, Sam’s Club, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Publix, all of which have also announced plans to close on April 20. This reflects a shift in the retail industry, which has historically leaned toward extended hours and holiday openings to maximize sales. In recent years, however, companies have increasingly opted to give employees time off during holidays, responding to both employee expectations and broader cultural values around family and rest.
For instance, in 2022, retail giants like Target and Walmart made headlines by permanently closing their stores on Thanksgiving, signaling a reversal of the decades-long trend of holiday shopping marathons. Lowe’s Easter closure fits into this evolving narrative, emphasizing employee appreciation over the pressure to keep stores open. “The decision to pause for Easter underlines a shift toward recognizing spring holidays as part of broader workplace wellness strategies,” noted a recent analysis.
What Shoppers Need to Know
For customers planning home improvement projects over the Easter weekend, the closure means physical Lowe’s stores will be inaccessible for 24 hours. However, the company has ensured that its online platform, Lowes.com, will remain fully operational, hosting a one-day online-only sales event on Easter Sunday. This allows shoppers to continue purchasing everything from tools to garden supplies without interruption.
Competitors like The Home Depot, which operates over 2,000 stores nationwide, have confirmed they will remain open on Easter Sunday, potentially capturing business from customers needing in-store access. Ace Hardware, another home improvement retailer, will also be closed, leaving Home Depot as a primary brick-and-mortar option for last-minute shoppers.
As of March 2025, Lowe’s operates 1,751 stores across the U.S., with Texas leading at 144 locations, followed by Florida with 132. The closure will affect all these stores, including the 32 in Arizona and approximately 70 in New York State. Shoppers are advised to plan ahead, especially for spring projects, as the holiday weekend may see increased demand at open retailers.
Public and Employee Response
The announcement has sparked positive reactions, particularly on social media platforms like X, where users have praised Lowe’s for prioritizing family values. One post commended the company, stating, “Lowe’s is closing down ALL stores on Easter, allowing employees to worship Christ freely and spend time with loved ones. Companies with great values like this help make America great.” Another user called the move “brilliant,” highlighting the importance of giving employees time off during a significant holiday.
However, some posts on X also reflected misinformation or exaggeration, with one user suggesting the closure was tied to economic struggles, stating, “Economy is so bad: Lowe’s Will Close All Stores for 24 Hours.” Such claims were quickly clarified by other sources, which emphasized that the closure is a planned holiday gesture, not a sign of financial distress.
Employees, meanwhile, will receive a paid day off, a detail that has been consistently highlighted in Lowe’s announcements. This gesture not only fosters goodwill but also aligns with the company’s broader efforts to support its workforce, as seen in its community-focused programs and investments in skilled trade development.
Looking Ahead
Lowe’s Easter Sunday closure is a reminder of the evolving priorities in retail, where employee well-being and cultural traditions are gaining prominence. By joining other major retailers in closing for the holiday, Lowe’s reinforces its commitment to its associates while adapting to a changing industry landscape. For customers, the key is preparation—whether by shopping early or taking advantage of online options.
As Easter 2025 approaches, Lowe’s shoppers can rest assured that while physical stores will be closed, the company’s digital doors remain open, ensuring that home improvement needs are met even during the holiday. For its employees, the day off is a chance to recharge and reconnect, a small but meaningful acknowledgment of their year-round dedication.
