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Why Major Retailers Are Closing on April 20 — A Shift Toward People-First Retail

Apr, 18 2025

Why Major Retailers Are Closing for 24 Hours This Holiday

As the April 20 holiday nears, several major U.S. retailers and restaurants have announced plans to close their doors for a full 24 hours. While many shoppers associate holidays with extended store hours and special sales, this year’s approach reflects a growing industry trend: prioritizing employee well-being and operational balance over non-stop availability.

Retail giants like Target, Costco, Chipotle, Sam’s Club, Lowe’s, Macy’s, and Nordstrom have confirmed that all their locations will remain closed on the holiday. Others, such as Sephora, Victoria’s Secret, CVS, and Gap, may operate with limited hours or location-based closures. Full operations are expected to resume on April 21.

Putting People Before Profits

Most companies cited the desire to give employees time off as the primary reason behind the closures. In an increasingly competitive labor market, this kind of decision isn’t just about generosity — it’s a strategic investment in workforce satisfaction and long-term loyalty.

Retailers who adopt people-first policies are seeing benefits that go beyond good PR. Stronger internal culture, lower turnover, and improved customer satisfaction all stem from treating employees with respect — especially during national holidays when work-life balance is more valued than ever.

A Shift in Retail Operations

This 24-hour pause is part of a broader industry movement that favors intentional operations over aggressive holiday sales tactics. Many brands are realizing that consumers are now accustomed to online shopping, flexible delivery options, and early promotional rollouts. That means businesses can afford to step back temporarily without sacrificing revenue.

By planning ahead, adjusting store hours, and using tools to forecast demand and optimize staffing, retailers are navigating holidays in a smarter, more balanced way.

Universell’s Take: Plan Smarter, Not Harder

At Universell, we believe this trend reflects where modern business is headed: toward intelligent operations and human-centered retail.

With over 100+ integrated tools, the Universell platform helps businesses:

  • Plan for holiday staffing needs in advance 
  • Automate promotions and communications 
  • Track sales and performance even during closures 
  • Manage multi-location operations with real-time visibility 
  • Support employees with organized scheduling and internal messaging 

Whether you’re adjusting for a holiday break or managing peak season logistics, Universell gives you the tools to stay agile — and people-first — without compromising performance.

Conclusion

As more retailers choose to close their stores on holidays like April 20, they’re setting a new standard: one that recognizes the importance of balance, strategy, and employee care in today’s retail environment.

Want to streamline your operations, plan smarter holiday strategies, and put people first without losing momentum?

Visit www.universell.us to learn how our platform helps modern businesses thrive.