XMAS BREAK
Full list of shops closing over Christmas – from John Lewis to Home Bargains
Plus we reveal how you can save money on your Christmas shopping
THOUSANDS of workers at major retail stores will take a well-deserved break this Christmas as big brands announce closures.
Some high street favourites and supermarkets have confirmed they will pull down the shutters on Boxing Day so staff don't miss out on family time.
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Almost all stores close up on Christmas Day but, traditionally, shoppers head out on Boxing Day to cash in on cut-price goods.
However, in recent years, more and more retailers have decided to stay closed on December 26, delaying customers' shopping sprees by another day.
Boxing Day is a Bank Holiday which means opening hours are already reduced.
Some stores may also close early on Christmas Eve and other days around the festive period so it's worth double checking opening times in advance to avoid a wasted trip out.
READ MORE ON CHRISTMAS
Check your local branch opening hours on the store's website.
Below are the stores that have confirmed closures on Boxing Day...
Poundland
Bargain retailer has confirmed it will shut all its stores on Boxing Day to give staff a well-earned break.
It will close shops on December 25 and 26.
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The discounter said all its locations will also shut on New Year's Day as a thank you to staff.
Simon Wells, people director at Poundland, said: "We have brilliant colleagues here at Poundland & Dealz who work incredibly hard throughout the year, bringing our brands to life every day and supporting our customers.
I tried the M&S Christmas cafe menu, the gravy dip is a festive revelation
"But we know they all particularly shine at Christmas, bringing the magic to our stores that our customers know and love.
"We’re delighted to be able to support them with a well-earned rest once the festive season is over."
B&Q
DIY and garden retailer B&Q has also confirmed it will close all stores on Boxing Day.
B&Q has revealed it will shutter its more than 300 UK branches on December 25 and 26 to give staff a well-earned break.
The retailer, which stocks everything from garden products to kitchenware, tools and equipment will also close all its stores early on Christmas Eve.
Branches across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will shut at 4pm instead of the usual 8pm.
The vast majority of the DIY chain's stores will also be operating reduced opening hours on New Year's Day.
Its stores in Scotland and on the islands of Jersey and Guernsey meanwhile will be closed to customers on January 1.
Wickes
Wickes will be shutting up shop for an extended time across the festive period in a company first.
Wickes announced they will be pulling the shutters down on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Staff will welcome customers back on December 27 after a well-deserved Christmas break.
Employees are also set to gain and additional day of paid leave on Christmas Eve.
Branches across England, Wales and Scotland will also lock up earlier at 7pm from December 16 to 21.
On New Year's Eve doors will shut at 4pm.
David Wood, chief executive officer at Wickes said: "Here at Wickes, our Christmas closures have become a way to thank all our colleagues for their tremendous services throughout the year, showing them that all of their hard work definitely doesn’t go unnoticed and is hugely appreciated."
Why do retailers close on Boxing Day?
BOXING Day is one of the busiest shopping days of the year.
So why do retailers decide to close? Senior Consumer Reporter Olivia Marshall explains.
Closing on Boxing Day allows staff to have a well-deserved break after the busy Christmas period.
This can help improve staff morale and reduce burnout.
It also provides them with an opportunity to spend time with their families and friends during the festive season.
For some retailers, the cost of opening on Boxing Day, including staffing and operational expenses, may not be justified by the expected sales revenue, especially if customer footfall is low.
With the rise of online shopping, some retailers may focus on online sales and promotions rather than opening physical stores on Boxing Day.
For some businesses, it may also be a a long-standing tradition for them to remain closed on Boxing Day.
From a practical perspective, the day after Christmas can be used for inventory checks, restocking, and preparing for post-Christmas sales.
This can be more effectively done without the distraction of serving customers.
Aldi
The discounter has said it will close on Boxing Day, as well as Christmas Day.
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.
"Customers will have plenty to look forward to in the run-up to Christmas, with exciting Christmas ranges hitting shelves in time for the festive season."
It's not the first time Aldi has closed on Boxing Day - the discounter has been doing so for the past few years.
The Range and Wilko
The Range and Wilko are owned by CDS Stores which has announced it will close all branches at both brands on December 25 and 26.
Alex Simpkin, chief executive officer for CDS, 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 brands were also closed last year on Boxing Day.
Home Bargains
Home Bargains has told The Sun all 600 of its stores across the UK will remain closed on Boxing Day.
All branches will also close earlier on Christmas Eve, with trading finishing at 5pm instead of the usual 8pm or 9pm.
The chain also confirmed shops will be completely shut on New Year's Day.
A spokesperson for Home Bargains said: “We know how hard all our colleagues have worked throughout the year.
"Being a family-run business, we recognise the importance of spending quality time with our loved ones.
"Therefore, we feel it is only right to support our valued store teams by giving them extended time off around Christmas and New Year."
Home Bargains has remained closed on Boxing Day for the last four years.
John Lewis and Waitrose
The vast majority of Waitrose supermarkets and all standalone John Lewis stores will be shut on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
The John Lewis Partnership (JLP) which runs the two brands exclusively told The Sun it will shut on December 26.
More than 300 Waitrose branches and 33 John Lewis sites will be shut with just a handful of Waitrose shops attached to petrol stations remaining open on Boxing Day.
And only John Lewis shops within the Trafford and Stratford shopping centres will remain open.
The brand also closed on Boxing Day last year.
Homebase
DIY giant Homebase will shut all its stores on December 26, the brand confirmed to The Sun.
The retailer has 142 stores across the UK which will shut for a full 48 hours to give staff a festive rest.
A spokeswoman for the firm said: "We’ll once again be closing our stores on Boxing Day so our team can enjoy time with their friends and family over the festive period."
READ MORE SUN STORIES
More stores are expected to announce Boxing Day closures over the coming weeks.
Keep an eye on your favourite retailer's social media as many often publicise their festive opening hours on X and Facebook.
How to save money on Christmas shopping
Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how you can save money on your Christmas shopping.
Limit the amount of presents - buying presents for all your family and friends can cost a bomb.
Instead, why not organise a Secret Santa between your inner circles so you're not having to buy multiple presents.
Plan ahead - if you've got the stamina and budget, it's worth buying your Christmas presents for the following year in the January sales.
Make sure you shop around for the best deals by using price comparison sites so you're not forking out more than you should though.
Buy in Boxing Day sales - some retailers start their main Christmas sales early so you can actually snap up a bargain before December 25.
Delivery may cost you a bit more, but it can be worth it if the savings are decent.
Shop via outlet stores - you can save loads of money shopping via outlet stores like Amazon Warehouse or Office Offcuts.
They work by selling returned or slightly damaged products at a discounted rate, but usually any wear and tear is minor.
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