Shoppers planning to hit the high street for the Boxing Day sales should take note that a number of key retailers will be keeping their doors closed on December 26 to give staff a well-earned break after the busy festive period.
Marks & Spencer is among those to have confirmed that its stores will remain shut until Friday, December 27, as reported by Retail Gazette. The retailer said: “Our stores, support centres and distribution centres will be closed on Boxing Day so colleagues can spend more time with loved ones, but the majority of stores will reopen on the December 27 for our seasonal sale.”
Next is another of the high street giants that will keep its stores closed on December 26, meaning shoppers will have to wait an extra day to grab clothing and homeware bargains. And earlier in the year, John Lewis also confirmed that its standalone stores will be shut on Boxing Day.
When it comes to supermarkets, Aldi will close all its stores on Boxing Day before reopening as usual on December 27. Richard Thornton, Communications Director at Aldi UK, said: “Christmas is such a special period for many of our colleagues, and by keeping our stores closed on Boxing Day, Aldi gives them more time to spend with their loved ones.”
In addition, Iceland will keep the majority of its supermarkets closed on December 26, with only a select few stores in the south remaining open. And Waitrose is joining the list of food retailers giving staff a break on Boxing Day, with most shops closing while only a “small number” will be open for shopping as well as Deliveroo and Uber Eats orders, although all Shell and Welcome Break Waitrose stores will trade as usual.
Elsewhere on the high street, Poundland is closing all stores on Boxing Day to “give colleagues a well-deserved break”, while shoppers hoping to get their hands on some new homeware in time for 2025 will also need to wait until December 27 to shop at The Range, Home Bargains, and Homebase, all of which have confirmed that all their branches will be shut on Boxing Day.
Alex Simpkin, chief executive officer for CDS Superstores who owns The Range, said: “This year’s been another great one for the business. We’re grateful to all our incredible team for their dedication and hard work and believe everyone deserves a well-earned rest during the festive season.
“So, in appreciation, we’ll be closing our stores on Boxing Day to give our team the opportunity to enjoy a full two-day break with their families.”
The vast majority of shops across the high street will reopen and trade as usual on Friday, December 27 and into the final weekend of the year, before more closures over the New Year festivities. Many stores will close early on New Year’s Eve and remain shut on January 1 before re-opening and resuming usual hours on the second day of 2025.
View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/whats-on/shopping/shops-closed-boxing-day-2024-30636672
