High street fashion giant Next has announced a significant change to its traditional post-Christmas shopping event. The retailer has confirmed it will close all 500 of its UK stores on Boxing Day this year.
Major Retailers Grant Staff Festive Break
Next shops will not reopen until 6am on Saturday, December 27, giving its workforce a full day off on the 26th. This move aligns with a growing trend among large UK chains. Aldi will also shut all its UK branches on Boxing Day, as it has in previous years. Its stores will close at 6pm on Christmas Eve and remain closed until December 27.
Home Bargains is following suit, closing all stores to give staff a break. Marks and Spencer will shut most of its shops, with only a select few service station branches remaining open. Both Poundland and The Works have confirmed they will be closed for the day.
Which Other Shops Are Closing?
A number of other prominent high street and homeware chains have confirmed they will not be trading on Boxing Day. The list includes:
- Dunelm
- Pets at Home
- Wickes
- B&Q
Supermarket giant Tesco will close its large superstores, although many smaller Express shops are expected to reopen with reduced hours. Waitrose will keep almost all branches shut, with a very small number operating solely for delivery platforms like Deliveroo.
Retailers Opening for Boxing Day Sales
Not all shops are taking a full day off. Several major retailers plan to open their doors, often with adjusted schedules, to kick off their end-of-year sales.
Lidl will be open across the UK on Boxing Day, albeit with reduced hours. Asda plans to reopen from mid-morning, and Morrisons will also trade with limited hours. Sainsbury's will welcome shoppers, but its superstores will have shorter opening times.
High street favourites Boots, Superdrug, and H&M have all confirmed they will be open for business on December 26. Primark is also expected to open its doors as per its usual practice.
Check Before You Travel
Shoppers are advised to check specific store opening times before heading out. Opening hours may vary depending on staff availability, store size, and location. This shift by Next, a key player in the traditional Boxing Day sales, marks a notable change in the UK's festive retail landscape, placing a greater emphasis on staff welfare during the holiday period.
