- Marks & Spencer
Last week Marks & Spencer decided to close stores on Boxing Day, having previously planned to open over 200 stores on the day.
This not only means the retailer will now close all of its stores in the UK, but its customer contact centre and distribution centre in Castle Donington will also close.
“Throughout the pandemic, our colleagues have gone above and beyond to deliver for our customers and as we enter the busy festive season they are doubling down on their efforts once again to help our customers deliver the Christmas magic for their families and friends,” M&S chief executive Steve Rowe said.
“2020 has been a uniquely challenging year for everyone and this Christmas, the celebrations we have, will be more precious than ever.”
2. Wickes
Wickes has also decided to close its doors on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day as a “sign of appreciation” to their colleagues after a strenuous year amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
It’s the first time the retailer has shut its doors on Christmas Eve in its 48 years of trading on the high street.
The retailer gave staff a day off on Boxing Day last year as well.
3. Pets At Home
Pets At Home said saying staff should take the time off on Boxing Day to spend with their families after working hard during the Covid-19 crisis.
“As a small but tangible sign of our appreciation, I have decided to close all of our stores on Boxing Day this year to give our colleagues much-needed time with their families and loved ones,” Pets at Home boss Peter Pritchard said.
4. The Entertainer
The Entertainer announced it would be giving its staff three “free days” to celebrate the Christmas and Boxing Day long weekend with loved ones.
This means the toy retailer will close all 171 of its stores across the UK at the end of the day on Christmas Eve, which falls on a Thursday this year, and won’t re-open until Monday, December 28.
“Our stores will close on Christmas Eve and will reopen on again until Monday 28 December, giving our employees three of the five days of the eased restriction period to spend Christmas with the people they cherish,” The Entertainer chief executive Gary Grant said.
5. John Lewis
John Lewis traditionally closes its doors on Boxing Day and this year is no different.
Stores will be remain open Christmas Eve and will reopen on Sunday, December 27.
6. Homebase
Homebase has also joined the list of retailers set to remain closed on Boxing Day this year.
The DIY and gardening retailer said it would put its staff first following their hard work amid the pandemic by giving them a two-day break.
7. Home Bargains
Home Bargains has also confirmed it will remain closed on Boxing Day
The retailer took to Instagram and Twitter to say: “To all our staff: Thank you for all your hard work once again this year.
“All our stores will be closed on Boxing Day to ensure you are able to spend time with your friends and family.”
Last month Aldi confirmed all of its 830 stores across the UK would be closed this Boxing Day to allow staff to spend time with their families.
However, this isn’t the first time the discount grocer hasn’t traded on Boxing Day.
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