Many of the big shopping chains are reducing their hours over the festive period with some closing completely for up to three days
Shops nationwide have been adjusting their operating hours as the Christmas season draws near. Many have extended their opening times in the run-up to Christmas Eve, before closing earlier than usual to prepare for the holiday break.
However, there are variations in the trading hours among retailers, with some chains opting to shut their doors for a prolonged period. Despite this, B&M has announced it will deviate from the trend, irrespective of the plans of other retailers, including Home Bargains and Aldi.
Under retail regulations, all shops exceeding a certain size – 280 square metres – in England and Wales are required to close on Christmas Day. They must also remain closed throughout Easter Sunday and can only operate for six consecutive hours between 10am and 6pm on all other Sundays.
But, there are no regulations regarding opening hours for other Bank Holidays, including Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. This leaves the decision up to each individual company.
While both Aldi and Home Bargains have announced they will close for both Christmas and Boxing Day, B&M has stated it will only shut on Christmas Day itself and will resume business on Boxing Day, reports the Liverpool Echo.
The discount retailer, which runs 700 stores across the UK, has confirmed these will reopen on Friday, December 26. According to its website, many of its outlets will also be open on New Year’s Day.
However, these stores are likely to operate under reduced hours. The company advises that most branches will have varying opening times over the festive period and recommends checking its website for the specific hours of your local store.
Home Bargains has previously announced that it will close its doors at 5pm on Christmas Eve and reopen on December 27, giving employees both Christmas Day and Boxing Day off.
The stores will also be closed on New Year’s Day, Thursday, January 1. A representative for the chain stated: “Our colleagues work incredibly hard throughout the year, and we want to recognise that commitment.”
Aldi has also confirmed that it will remain closed on both Christmas Day and Boxing Day, as well as on New Year’s Day.
