// M&S to close stores on Boxing Day, allowing staff to spend time with loved ones
// The retailer will extend opening hours until 11pm at 300 stores from 19 to 23 December
Marks & Spencer will close its stores on Boxing Day to allow staff to spend their time with family and friends.
The retailer has also extended its opening hours as Christmas approaches.
M&S said 300 of its stores will open until 11pm from 19 to 23 December this year, Drapers reported.
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M&S stores director Helen Milford said: “Our teams really step up over the festive period to help make Christmas special for our customers, including working extra hours so we can keep our store doors open for longer.”
“It’s a busy time for retail so giving our colleagues Boxing Day off is a small thank you for their hard work delivering a remarkable Christmas for our customers.”
To get into the festive spirit, M&S brought back its 12 Days of Sparks digital advent calendar “bigger and better than before” last week – after the success of last year’s campaign.
From this month, 16 million Sparks customers will be able to access festive treats on the retailer‘s app and website.
The daily rewards include a mix of free treats and personalised offers such as 20% off Christmas prosecco and 15% off knitwear.
