A fast-moving winter storm that dumped several inches of snow across parts of Ohio and Western Pennsylvania on Sunday prompted major grocery and retail chains to close early so employees and shoppers could get home before roads became treacherous.
Retailers cited safety for staff and customers as the primary reason for the staggered early shutdowns. The moves came as cities declared snow emergencies, roads iced over, and forecasts warned of heavy snow followed by dangerously cold wind chills.
Who’s closing and when
- Walmart announced early closures at several locations: stores in Johnstown and Somerset, Pa., closed at 4 p.m., while the Ebensburg location shut at 3 p.m. Additional Walmart stores around the Pittsburgh region — including Bethel Park, Harrison, Frazer, Moon, North Versailles, Robinson and Scott Township, plus locations in Westmoreland County — also closed early and were expected to reopen on Monday for normal hours.
- Kroger said it would close all stores in its Columbus Division at 6 p.m. on Sunday, affecting roughly 115 locations across Ohio and West Virginia, including stores in Columbus, Toledo and Wheeling. Kroger’s stores were scheduled to reopen at their usual times on Monday.
- Giant Eagle and Market District supermarkets in the Columbus metropolitan area closed at 4 p.m. The chain said the early shutdown was intended to allow team members to reach home before the storm’s worst conditions arrive; Giant Eagle expected to resume normal hours the following day.
- Malls and many restaurants in the Pittsburgh area also curtailed operations, with several shopping centers closing for the day and chains like Eat'n Park pausing service early as conditions deteriorated.
- Stay updated with local emergency alerts and the National Weather Service for changing forecasts and road conditions: National Weather Service.
- Avoid nonessential travel while snow plows work and temperatures drop; wind chills were expected to fall into the double-digits below zero in some forecasts.
- If you must go out, travel only with an emergency kit (blankets, phone charger, water, snacks) and tell someone your route.
- Keep an eye on neighbors who may be vulnerable — older adults and those with mobility challenges often need extra help during storms.
- Stock only what you need. Essentials like bread, milk and medications sell out quickly in the hours before major closures; try to plan ahead rather than panic-buying.
Most retailers that closed early planned to reopen during normal business hours on Monday.
Why stores are shutting their doors
The decisions were pragmatic. With forecasts calling for multiple inches — in some central Ohio locations meteorologists predicted 8 to 14 inches — and with many counties under Level 2 or Level 3 snow emergency designations, businesses chose to prioritize employee safety over staying open through hazardous travel.
Retailers also wanted to avoid leaving customers stranded in large parking lots or forcing staff to clean up slippery aisles during the worst of the storm. In statements, spokespeople emphasized that the closures were temporary and intended to reduce risk during the peak of the event.
For the broader community, the storm shut down more than just stores. Pittsburgh Public Schools canceled classes for Monday, several universities moved to remote instruction, and many county offices and courts closed or delayed openings as crews focused on snow removal and public safety.
What residents should do now
If you live in the affected areas, follow these practical steps:
Power outages are an added risk during heavy, wet snow followed by extreme cold. If you rely on medical equipment that needs power, have a backup plan and contact your utility or local emergency services to notify them of critical needs.
Retailers say these early closings are about employees’ ability to get home safely and restoring normal service as soon as conditions allow. For shoppers, the best course is to stay informed, prepare minimally and let the crews and weather forecasters guide decisions about travel and errands.