What stores in Maine are open and closed on Easter Sunday

PORTLAND, Maine —

Mainers may notice that many large stores in the state are closed this Easter.

That is because Easter is one of just three holidays impacted by Maine’s blue laws, which are rules that were put in place long ago to prevent activities on Sundays and holidays, typically for religious reasons.

According to current state law, any store that has more than 5,000 square feet of interior retail space cannot be open on Easter, Thanksgiving or Christmas in any event. Maine is one of several states that still have blue laws.

The blue laws mean that supermarkets and big-box retailers are closed on Easter in Maine, including the following:

WalmartTargetCostcoSam’s ClubHannafordShaw’sMarket BasketLowe’sHome DepotTJ MaxxMarshallsHomeGoodsKohl’sMacy’sNordstrom and Nordstrom RackJCPenneyBurlingtonThe Maine MallThe Auburn Mall

L.L.Bean is more than 5,000 square feet in size, but they are open on Easter because they have been grandfathered in and not affected by the blue laws.

Places that are open on Easter include pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS; coffee shops like Dunkin’ and Starbucks; many chain restaurants and some local restaurants; most convenience stores; and most movie theaters.

These lists by no means apply to all locations, so try calling ahead to find out if a particular retailer or restaurant is open on Easter.