Customers enter a Lowe's store in Matthews, N.C., in this 2007 file photo. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Lowe’s announced Tuesday that all of its stores and distribution centers in the United States and Canada will be closed on Easter Sunday, April 12, joining other retailers that are doing the same.
Lowe’s CEO Marvin Ellison said in a statement that he wants employees “to spend Easter Sunday with their families and loved ones and recharge.”
Lowe’s employs about 300,000 associates, the statement said.
"Our ability to support communities with essential goods and services during this pandemic is thanks to our outstanding, dedicated associates," said Marvin Ellison, Lowe's president and CEO.
"We will take steps to ensure that no hourly associate loses scheduled hours or has a reduction in pay as a result of closing on Sunday. I want to personally thank our 300,000 associates who have helped families stay safely at home. Their actions are nothing short of heroic."
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Lowe’s joins Trader Joe’s, Kroger and other major retailers giving employees the day off on Easter.
Kroger announced Monday that it will close early Easter Sunday to "provide its associates with more time to rest and be with their families."
Sam’s Club, Costco and Target have typically closed on Easter Sunday and will also close this year.
Tuesday's announcement by Lowe's builds on previously shared updates in response to COVID-19, such as temporarily increasing wages through the month of April and providing a special payment for hourly associates and ensuring they have masks and gloves available for associates who request them.
"We continue to listen to our associates' and customers' feedback and make necessary adjustments to help keep everyone in our stores safe during this unprecedented time," Ellison said.
Operational changes include more third-party cleaning shifts as well as updates to support social distancing guidelines, such as enhanced curbside pick-up, customized Plexiglass shields at all registers, in-store social distancing markers, dedicated social distance ambassadors to monitor customer flow and adhere to guidelines, regular overhead announcements, and adjusted store layouts.
Ways to celebrate Easter in virus lockdown
8 ways to celebrate Easter during the COVID-19 lockdown
Decorate eggs
You can boil eggs and use food dye or even food from your own pantry (like beets, turmeric or onion skins) to create multicolored eggs for Easter.
Have an indoor Easter egg hunt
Hide eggs in the dryer, under your bed or in the cabinet (make sure they don’t fall and crack). Then watch your loved ones look around for them.
Do Easter-themed arts and crafts
Make paper bunnies or craft flowers out of cardboard; the possibilities are endless.
Watch Easter-themed movies
Whether you choose the fun route with a film like “Here Comes Peter Cottontail” or “Hop” or opt for deeper fare like “The Passion of the Christ,” “The Robe” or “Ben-Hur,” an Easter screening is a safe and fun way to acknowledge the holiday.
Live stream a church service
If church is part of your family’s Easter tradition, you can still attend your Sunday morning service from the comfort of your home. Though many physical churches have closed their doors to comply with social distancing, services are still happening via livestream platforms like Facebook Live and on church websites. You can even dress up.
Cook an Easter meal
If the bare grocery store shelves aren’t an obstacle, buy the materials to cook your favorite holiday dinner.
Whip up some Easter-themed snacks
Deviled eggs, cookies or even brownies will be a sweet way to celebrate Easter indoors.
Read books about Easter
Gather your little ones around or channel your inner child with stories like “The Biggest Easter Basket Ever” by Steven Kroll or “Chicken Sunday” by Patricia Polacco.
