A quiet respite after the Christmas rush is coming for many retail workers this year. Several major supermarket chains have announced they will remain closed on Boxing Day, prioritizing employee well-being during the festive season.
Aldi is leading the charge, declaring a complete closure of all its stores on December 26th. The decision reflects a commitment to allowing staff to fully enjoy the holidays with their families, a gesture deeply valued by its workforce.
Lidl is following suit, also closing its doors on Boxing Day. While most locations will be shut, customers are advised to verify specific opening times for their local store through the Lidl Plus app or online store finder.
Marks & Spencer is also granting its staff a break from customer-facing duties on Boxing Day. Though stores will be closed to the public, a dedicated team will work behind the scenes to replenish stock for the December 27th reopening.
Waitrose is taking a nuanced approach, with a limited number of stores operating solely to fulfill online delivery orders through Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat. The majority of Waitrose locations, however, will be closed.
For those planning post-Christmas shopping trips, Tesco, Asda, and Sainsbury’s will be open, but with adjusted hours. Expect a slightly shorter shopping window than usual.
Tesco stores will operate from 9am to 6pm, while Tesco Express locations will stay open until 7pm. It’s wise to double-check the hours of smaller Tesco stores, as they may vary.
Morrisons will also welcome shoppers from 9am to 6pm in England and Wales, with Scottish stores opening slightly earlier at 8:30am and closing at 6:30pm. Planning ahead is recommended.
Sainsbury’s supermarkets will be partially open from 9am to 6pm, but again, smaller Sainsbury’s Local stores may have different schedules.
The Co-op will open its larger stores from 10am to 7pm and convenience stores from 9am to 7pm, but cautions that hours may be altered during the holiday period.
Asda will open its doors on Boxing Day from 9am to 6pm, offering a reduced timeframe for shoppers seeking post-Christmas deals.
This year’s Boxing Day closures represent a growing trend towards prioritizing the well-being of retail employees, offering a welcome change for those who traditionally work through the holiday season.
