Home Bargains has confirmed it will close all 617 of its stores across the UK for three days later this year. The closures will take place on Christmas Day (December 25), Boxing Day (December 26) and New Year’s Day (January 1), affecting shoppers who plan to visit the homeware retailer during the festive period.
The chain, which operates branches in Birmingham, made the announcement as part of its holiday schedule. The same closures were implemented last year, and the company has reiterated its commitment to giving staff time off during the holiday season.
Staff recognition behind closure decision
Home Bargains previously closed all its stores over the same three days in 2025. At the time, a spokesperson explained the reasoning: “Our colleagues work incredibly hard throughout the year, and we want to recognise that commitment.”
“As a family-run business, we understand the importance of spending time with family and friends, particularly over the holidays. We’re proud to give our teams additional time off to enjoy the festive season,” the spokesperson added.
The decision applies to all 617 stores nationwide, meaning no branch will be open to serve customers on any of the three dates.
Legal framework for Christmas Day trading
The closures align with the Christmas Day (Trading) Act 2004, which prohibits large shops in England and Wales from opening on Christmas Day to serve retail customers, regardless of the day of the week on which it falls. The Act applies only to large shops; smaller shops may continue to trade on Christmas Day.
Under the Act, a shop is classified as large if its relevant floor area exceeds 280 square metres. The relevant floor area is defined as the internal floor area of so much of the shop as consists of, or is comprised in, a building, excluding any part not used for serving customers or displaying goods.
Enforcement and New Year’s Day rules
Local authorities are under a statutory duty to enforce the prohibition on large stores opening on Christmas Day, under section 3 of the Act. They must appoint inspectors for this purpose, who may be the same individuals appointed to enforce Sunday trading legislation. These inspectors hold the same powers as those appointed under the Sunday Trading Act 1994, including rights of entry.
For New Year’s Day, large shops in England and Wales are currently permitted to trade. However, many retailers, including Home Bargains, choose to remain closed or operate reduced hours. When New Year’s Day falls on a Sunday, the Sunday Trading Act 1994 applies instead.
Shoppers in Birmingham and across the UK will need to plan their purchases around these closure dates, as all Home Bargains stores will be unavailable for three consecutive days over the holiday period.
