Each year, Boxing Day, which falls on December 26, is one of the busiest shopping days on the UK retail calendar, yet many retailers have opted to adjust their store opening hours to give employees more time to spend with their families after Christmas. Retailers vary widely on which stores will remain open and during what hours this year.
John Lewis, the popular department store, is set to welcome back shoppers to just two of its 34 locations. Both the Stratford branch located within Westfield and the Trafford Centre location will operate under specific hours: the Stratford location will be open from 10 AM to 5 PM, whereas the Trafford Centre will serve customers longer, from 10 AM until 8 PM.
Next is another significant player in the retail scene this Boxing Day. For the third consecutive year, it will close all its stores on December 26 to afford employees extra time for family celebrations. The fashion giant has shifted its annual sale online, which began on December 24, with physical stores slated to open on December 27 at 6 AM for the annual sale rush. This decision has been positively received by both staff and customers.
For budget shoppers, Lidl will close all its stores across England and Wales on Boxing Day, marking the day as one for family relaxation rather than post-Christmas shopping. Notably, stores located within Scotland will reopen on Boxing Day from 11 AM to 5 PM, which is markedly different from the rest of the UK.
Major supermarket chain Tesco intends to remain open during Boxing Day, though their hours may differ at various locations. Most stores plan to operate from 9 AM to 6 PM, offering customers the chance to shop after the holiday.
Morrisons will also maintain similar hours to Tesco, remaining open from 9 AM to 6 PM on Boxing Day, which is consistent with their approach to extending shopping periods during the festive week.
Marks and Spencer (M&S) announced its closures on Boxing Day, but assured customers most of their stores will return to normal trading hours on December 27. All M&S Food stores will be closed on Boxing Day as well as on New Year's Day, taking the time to allow workers the time off around the holidays.
Interestingly, Aldi and Home Bargains both will not open their doors on Boxing Day, reaffirming their commitment to staff welfare. Aldi has traditionally closed on Boxing Day for many years, aligning with their practice of giving staff the day off. Similarly, Home Bargains is taking the day off entirely to allow all employees to enjoy the festive season. A spokesperson stated, "We know how hard all our colleagues have worked throughout the year... we feel it is only right to support our valued store teams by giving them extended time off around Christmas and New Year."
For consumers eager to take advantage of post-Christmas deals, other retailers still plan to welcome shoppers. For example, Co-op stores are set to be open from 9 AM to 7 PM on Boxing Day, providing another shopping option for those seeking deals.
B&M, which has also adjusted its hours to accommodate the festive period, will open on Boxing Day, and as reported on its site, most locations will be available for shopping from 9 AM to 6 PM.
The Range is closing all its branches on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, too, allowing employees the opportunity to rest after the busy shopping season. Shoppers are still welcome to order online during the closures, which can help ease the strain of physical shopping quantifiably. Similar closure notes come from other retailers, including Poundland, which will also shut its stores on Boxing Day.
Despite the tradition of Boxing Day shopping, significant numbers of stores are prioritizing the well-being of their staff over post-Christmas sales, leading to what many believe is a conscious shift during this festive period. Retail leaders are reflecting on the importance of employee welfare, granting staff deserved time off and adjusting business practices during such pivotal shopping periods.
While shoppers may find fewer stores open on Boxing Day than usual, many still hold their heads high anticipating the start of discount shopping on December 27, reaching back to the familiar tradition of cashing in on holiday bargains. This year’s shift might just mark the beginning of more substantial changes across the retail sector, focusing on sustainability and employee welfare over mere profit margins.
So, before heading out, customers are encouraged to double-check with specific store locations, as opening hours may vary. Many shops have signaled their open hours via social media platforms, resulting in effective communication with eager shoppers.
