It depends entirely on where you live. That’s the boring, lawyer-y truth. But don’t close this tab yet. I have details that’ll make you feel like a grocery-planning genius.
In most of the United States, Good Friday isn’t a federal holiday. That means your local supermarket chain (think Walmart, Kroger, Safeway) will likely be open normal hours. You can waltz in at 3 PM for hot cross buns and a rotisserie chicken. No drama.
But wait. There’s a catch. In some states—like Connecticut, Delaware, and New Jersey—some stores must close or operate under reduced hours due to old blue laws. Check your local store's website. Yes, I know that’s annoying. But it beats a wasted car trip.
The Canadian & UK Chaos (Brace Yourself)
If you’re in Canada, Good Friday is a stat holiday. That means many major chains (Loblaws, Metro, Sobeys) are closed entirely. Your 8 PM milk run? Not happening. You’ll find a few convenience stores open, but don’t count on full aisles.
In the UK, the story gets wilder. Most big supermarkets—Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda—operate on reduced hours. Some close by 5 PM. Others don’t open until 9 AM. It’s a crapshoot. One exception: Waitrose often stays open until later, but only if you’re lucky and the weather is nice. Yes, I’m exaggerating. But only slightly.
Are The Supermarkets Open On Good Friday? Here’s What’s True | TAFT
And Ireland? Good Friday used to be a total shutdown. Like, all pubs closed, all shops locked. That changed in 2018. Now, most supermarkets open, but hours might be weird. Best bet: call ahead or check a store app. Your hangover will thank you later.
