If you're planning a traditional Boxing Day shopping spree this year, you'll need to check your plans. A significant number of major UK retailers are choosing to keep their doors firmly shut on December 26th, continuing a growing trend of giving staff a well-deserved break after the Christmas rush.
Which Major Retailers Are Staying Closed?
While online shopping will still be available, the physical shutters will be down at a host of big-name stores. The list of retailers confirming a full-day closure on Boxing Day is extensive and includes discount supermarkets, home improvement giants, and popular high street chains.
Aldi and Lidl will both be closed, alongside other major names like M&S, Home Bargains, B&M, Poundland, and The Range. In the home and garden sector, B&Q, Wickes, and Dobbies garden centres will also not be trading. Fashion and homeware retailer Next will be closed, as will The Works and Pets at Home.
Which Shops Will Be Open for Business?
It won't be a complete high street shutdown, however. Several key supermarkets have confirmed they will welcome customers, albeit with reduced trading hours. Shoppers will be able to visit Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's, and Morrisons on the 26th.
On the high street, Primark and Matalan are planning to open, as are health and beauty retailers Boots and Superdrug. Fashion chains H&M and New Look will also be trading. Department store John Lewis will shut most of its branches, but will open its Westfield Stratford City and Manchester Trafford Centre stores for those seeking post-Christmas deals.
Experts strongly advise checking a specific store's opening times online before you travel to avoid any disappointment.
Boxing Day Spending Set to Soar
This shift in opening hours comes as new research indicates that consumer spending on Boxing Day is expected to hit impressive levels. According to data from VoucherCodes.co.uk, Brits are forecast to spend a staggering £3.81 billion on December 26th, 2025.
This figure represents a 2.2% increase compared to the previous year and is set to be the highest level of Boxing Day spending since 2021. The sales boom is expected to continue into Saturday 27th, with a projected take of £3.48 billion (up 4.9% year-on-year), before tailing off to around £1.02 billion on New Year's Eve.
Smart Shopping Tips for the Sales
To make the most of the Boxing Day sales, whether online or in-store, follow these expert tips to ensure you get genuine bargains:
Compare Prices Diligently: Don't assume a "sale" tag means the best price. Use price comparison tools like Price Spy, Google Shopping, Price Runner, or CamelCamelCamel to track price histories and check other retailers.
Stick to a List: Impulse buys are the enemy of smart shopping. Write a list of what you actually need and resist the temptation to deviate from it. Remember, an item is only a bargain if you were already planning to purchase it.
Stack Discount Codes: Look for opportunities to combine promotional offers. Some websites, like VoucherCodes, flag when a discount code can be used in conjunction with an existing site-wide sale.
Beware of Scams: Only shop with reputable retailers you know and trust. If you're unsure about a website, check its reviews on platforms like Trustpilot. If a deal seems too good to be true, it often is.
