Major discount chain with 600 locations to close all stores and give staff a break on Boxing Day

A MAJOR discount chain with 600 locations is set to close all stores on Boxing Day this year.

Home Bargains will be pulling down the shutters on all of its shops in order to give staff a well deserved break.

The retailer will close on December 26, a day which tends to be pretty busy for shoppers, as well as New Year's Day on January 1.

This is on top of being shut on Christmas Day as it is every year.

Home Bargains said the move is designed to enable its colleagues to "enjoy the festivities" and spend time with loved ones.

The discounter has also announced that all of its stores will close early on Christmas Eve too, shutting their doors at 5pm instead of the usual 8pm or 9pm.

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 closed its doors on Boxing Day for the past three years, although this is the earliest it has announced the news.

Almost all stores across the UK shut on Christmas Day, but there are also a handful of retailers that won't open on Boxing Day either.

Most of us will slowly return to usual working hours over the following week, and so will UK shops and supermarkets.

But then the New Year hits and shops will likely change their hours again.

This means customers will need to plan their shopping trips carefully from Boxing Day to New Year's Day.

So far this year no other shops have revealed if they plan to close or stay open on Boxing Day or New Year's Day.

Last year though dozens of chains across the country made the decicison to adjust their opening hours to give their workers a well-earned break.

Aldi, Iceland, John Lewis, and Poundland all pulled down their shutters on Boxing Day.

While other opted to operate with reduced hours instead, these included Sainsbury's, Primark, Morrisons and B&M.

We'll keep you updated on the major chains' plans for this year as they're announced.

Opening hours can vary from branch to branch, so as we get closer to Christmas make sure to check your local store times before you make the trip.

Most big retailers will have their opening times listed on their websites nearer the time.

The news comes as Iceland has already revealed its Christmas 2023 range and it includes a pigs in blanket toastie and festive tree lollies.

Meanwhile, Morrisons shoppers are rushing to buy tubs of Quality Street to stock up for the Christmas period.

And, M&S shoppers have been going wild as a Christmas favourite returns to stores for just £4.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.