Home Bargains to close every single store on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day

Home Bargains has announced it will be closing all its stores on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day to give staff the chance to enjoy time off with loved ones.

The company, which employs around 28,000 members of staff across 600 stores, will also be closed on Christmas Day, and will shut early at 5pm on Christmas Eve.

In its announcement on Twitter, Home Bargains said: “We would like to thank all our staff for how hard you have worked this past year, and want you to relax and enjoy the Christmas break with your loved ones.”

A spokesperson for Home Bargains said of the decision: “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.”

The retailer’s decision has been applauded by people on social media, with one person writing: “Well done Home Bargains, leading the way again; hopefully more retail firms will do the same and give staff the holiday they deserve.”

Ian Rainey / Geograph

Another commented: “All shops should close over the Christmas Holidays like they used to do. Staff need time out with their families as well.”

And a third noted: “All shops should do this without having to worry that some will complain for their imagined slights.

“Everyone deserves to spend the festive season with their loved ones, not just the people out shopping with theirs.”