M&S and Next have made a significant announcement regarding store operations on Boxing Day.
- Both retailers will keep their stores closed on 26 December, prioritising staff well-being.
- The decision contrasts with other major retailers who remain open on this busy shopping day.
- M&S will resume operations on 27 December with their seasonal sale.
- John Lewis and Waitrose are also observing similar closures, aligning with trade union suggestions.
M&S and Next have taken a notable step by confirming that all stores will remain closed on Boxing Day, allowing employees to “spend more time with loved ones”. This decision comes despite the traditional retail rush on 26 December, when many consumers take advantage of post-Christmas sales. By choosing to stay shut, these companies demonstrate a commitment to their staff’s personal time during the holiday season, prioritising well-being over sales pressure.
The majority of M&S stores will reopen on 27 December, ready for their much-anticipated seasonal sale, as reported by Drapers. This move is a clear indication of M&S’s strategy to balance employee welfare with business needs, setting a precedent in the retail sector.
Similarly, fashion retailer Next has aligned with this approach, deciding not to open its doors on Boxing Day. This decision places emphasis on valuing staff rest and recuperation, acknowledging the hard work put in during the busiest periods of the retail calendar.
This stance taken by M&S and Next is not isolated. Earlier in the year, John Lewis announced closures of its standalone stores on Boxing Day, except for shops in Trafford and Stratford, and Waitrose will similarly shut the majority of its stores on 25 and 26 December. However, strategically located sites, such as those attached to petrol stations, will continue operations to cater to essential needs.
This collective move by some of the UK’s largest retailers suggests growing awareness and responsibility towards employee satisfaction, potentially influencing future retail guidelines and practices. The trade union Usdaw has indeed encouraged more retailers to consider closing on Boxing Day, underlining the importance of work-life balance even in a demanding sector such as retail.
The decisions by M&S, Next, and others to close on Boxing Day reflect a broader shift towards prioritising employee welfare in the retail industry.
