I've noticed this mainly when waiting for several hours through the night. I always make sure that it's around 10-11am, or at least 9, so the shops in particular (perhaps not the houses) should be open. But on occasion they just stay closed and locked and I'm wondering if there's anything I can do to prevent this.
I know some shopkeepers walk to their shop so it's not always immediately open in the morning, but I've waited around for several real-time minutes with no result.
If I wait until after opening times, shouldn't the shops already be open?
Best Answer
You mention above that you were waiting at Calixto's - I had the same issue multiple times.
Then I discovered a particular Windhelm quest - turns out the shop owner is occasionally "out" doing other things because of the related series of events. Once you start the quest line, this also limits the shop's hours of operation. I won't spoil you with the name of the quest, but I'd recommend just shopping elsewhere.