Sears Stores Closed on Easter Sunday 2025

Sears does not open on Easter Sunday, including in 2025. As part of its standard holiday operating policy, Sears closes all retail locations on Easter to respect the religious significance of the day and allow employees time with their families. This aligns with the broader trend among major U.S. retailers such as Macy’s, Kohl’s, and JCPenney, which also remain closed on Easter Sunday. If you’re planning last-minute shopping or need customer service access, it’s best to visit a Sears store earlier in the weekend or use their online platform, which remains available 24/7. For those searching for does Sears open on Easter Sunday, the answer is consistently no across most years and locations.

Understanding Sears’ Holiday Operating Hours

Sears, once one of America’s largest department store chains, has maintained a conservative holiday schedule throughout its history. While the company has reduced its physical footprint significantly since its peak in the late 20th century, the remaining stores follow a predictable closure pattern on nationally recognized and religious holidays. Easter Sunday is one of these days when all brick-and-mortar Sears locations are officially closed.

The decision to close on Easter reflects both cultural tradition and operational strategy. Unlike commercialized holidays like Black Friday or even Christmas Eve, Easter Sunday is primarily observed as a religious holiday—especially within Christian communities—as the day commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. As such, many retailers, particularly those with longstanding heritage like Sears, choose not to operate out of respect for this observance.

In contrast, Sears often remains open on other holidays such as Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day, though hours may be shortened. However, Easter Sunday stands out as one of the few Sundays during the year when every Sears store shuts down completely.

Easter Sunday in 2025: Date and Observance

Easter Sunday in 2025 falls on April 20, 2025. It is a movable feast determined by the lunar calendar, specifically the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox (March 21). Because of this calculation method, Easter can occur as early as March 22 or as late as April 25.

As a result, the exact date changes each year, which means consumers must verify holiday hours annually. The question does Sears open on Easter Sunday becomes especially relevant around March and April when shoppers begin planning seasonal purchases such as clothing for Easter services, home decor, or gifts. Knowing that Sears will be closed allows individuals to adjust their plans accordingly.

Comparison With Other Major Retailers

To better understand Sears’ position, it helps to compare its Easter Sunday operations with those of other national retailers. The table below outlines typical Easter Sunday store status across key brands:

Retailer	Open on Easter Sunday?	Notes
Sears	No	All locations closed; online site operational
Kohl's	No	Closed on Easter Sunday annually
Macy's	No	Nationwide closure for religious observance
Walmart	Yes	Open with regular Sunday hours
Target	Yes	Standard Sunday operating hours
Costco	Yes	Open, but warehouse model limits foot traffic
Home Depot	Yes	Regular Sunday hours; popular for spring projects
Lowe's	Yes	Open with typical weekend staffing

This comparison shows a clear divide between traditional department stores and big-box or home improvement retailers. While Sears, Macy’s, and Kohl’s honor Easter Sunday with full closures, companies like Walmart, Target, and Home Depot treat it as a regular business day—often seeing increased foot traffic due to spring cleaning, gardening, and home repair activities.

Regional Variations and Exceptions

Although Sears maintains a national policy of closing on Easter Sunday, there can be rare exceptions based on location or special circumstances. For example, some Sears departments located inside larger malls may technically be 'open' if the mall itself remains operational, but the Sears counter or service desk might not staff personnel. Similarly, standalone Sears Auto Centers usually follow different hours than retail stores and may open earlier or later depending on local demand.

However, even in these cases, full-service shopping experiences are unlikely. Customers seeking appliance repairs, tool purchases, or clothing items should assume no availability on Easter Sunday unless explicitly confirmed by local management.

To verify specific store status, users are encouraged to consult the official Sears website at sears.com, navigate to the Store Locator tool, and check holiday hours under the individual store’s profile. Alternatively, calling the local Sears location directly provides the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Historical Context of Retail Closures on Religious Holidays

The practice of closing stores on Easter Sunday has deep historical roots in American commerce. In the early 20th century, most businesses—including retail, transportation, and entertainment—shut down on Sundays altogether due to blue laws, which were designed to encourage religious observance and rest. Over time, these restrictions loosened, especially after World War II, leading to the rise of Sunday shopping.

Despite this shift, Easter Sunday remained an exception for many retailers. Even as stores began opening on regular Sundays, maintaining closure on Easter was seen as a gesture of cultural sensitivity and employee welfare. Sears, founded in 1893, has long adhered to this principle, reflecting its origins in a more tradition-oriented consumer landscape.

Today, while fewer Americans attend church regularly, the symbolic importance of Easter persists. Retailers that close on Easter often cite employee morale and work-life balance as key reasons. Allowing workers to spend time with family reinforces brand loyalty and supports internal retention efforts.

Shopping Alternatives When Sears Is Closed

For consumers who rely on Sears for appliances, tools, or clothing, the Easter Sunday closure necessitates advance planning. Fortunately, several alternatives exist:

• Shop Online: The Sears e-commerce platform operates 24 hours a day, including holidays. Most products available in-store can be ordered online with options for home delivery or curbside pickup at select locations.
• Visit Open Competitors: Retailers like Walmart, Target, and Home Depot remain open on Easter Sunday and carry overlapping product lines, including tools, kitchen appliances, and seasonal apparel.
• Use Third-Party Marketplaces: Amazon, eBay, and Best Buy offer competitive pricing and fast shipping on many items traditionally sold by Sears, especially Kenmore and Craftsman branded goods.
• Plan Ahead: Schedule any necessary repairs, installations, or large purchases before the weekend. Sears offers appointment-based services Monday through Saturday, so booking early ensures completion prior to the holiday.

Customer Service Accessibility on Easter

While physical stores are closed, customers may still have urgent inquiries about orders, warranties, or returns. Unfortunately, Sears’ customer service call centers also typically shut down on Easter Sunday. Automated systems may remain active for basic account lookups, but live support is unavailable.

Email and chat support through the website may receive delayed responses, usually resuming on Monday morning. For time-sensitive issues, it’s advisable to contact Sears at least one business day before Easter. Additionally, reviewing the Help & Customer Service section of the website can resolve common concerns without direct interaction.

Future Outlook: Will Sears Change Its Policy?

Given evolving consumer behavior and increasing pressure for year-round availability, some speculate whether Sears might eventually open on Easter Sunday. However, considering the company’s current size—operating fewer than 20 domestic stores as of 2024—and its focus on niche markets like appliances and home services, a change in holiday policy seems unlikely.

Moreover, reopening on Easter would require significant logistical coordination, including employee compensation for holiday work, security arrangements, and inventory management—all for what is historically a low-sales Sunday compared to other spring weekends. With online sales growing steadily, Sears can meet consumer demand without risking brand dilution or employee dissatisfaction.

Tips for Planning Around Sears’ Easter Closure

To avoid inconvenience, consider the following actionable tips:

1. Check Store Hours Early: Use the Sears Store Locator tool at least a week before Easter to confirm closing times for nearby locations.
2. Complete Appliance Repairs in Advance: If you depend on Sears Home Services, schedule maintenance or diagnostics before the holiday week.
3. Order Online Before Saturday: While the website stays open, shipping delays may occur if orders are placed too close to Easter. Aim to complete purchases by April 19.
4. Review Return Policies: If returning an item after Easter, note that receipt deadlines may fall on a holiday. Contact customer service ahead of time to request extensions if needed.
5. Follow Sears on Social Media: Updates about unexpected closures or emergency openings are sometimes posted on platforms like Facebook or X (formerly Twitter).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sears open on Easter Sunday 2025?

No, Sears is closed on Easter Sunday 2025. All physical stores will be shuttered in observance of the holiday.

Can I shop at Sears online on Easter?

Yes, the Sears website remains operational 24/7, including on Easter Sunday. You can browse products, place orders, and manage accounts online.

Are Sears Auto Centers open on Easter?

Most Sears Auto Centers are closed on Easter Sunday, though some independent tire or battery service outlets may operate under franchise agreements. Always call ahead to confirm.

Will Sears customer service be available on Easter?

No, live customer service representatives are not available on Easter Sunday. Automated systems may assist with basic tasks, but human support resumes on Monday.

Do any Sears stores ever open on Easter?

In extremely rare cases, such as in tourist-heavy areas or unique lease agreements, a Sears department within a mall might technically be accessible, but services and staffing will be limited. Assume closure unless verified locally.