One of Britain's major discount retailers is shutting every single one of its stores for a full 48-hour period this festive season, offering its workforce a guaranteed two-day holiday.
Festive Shutdown for Staff Wellbeing
The Range has confirmed it will close all 280 of its UK branches on both Christmas Day and Boxing Day. The shutdown begins on December 25, with stores not reopening until Thursday, December 27, as the company prioritises giving its employees time off to spend with their families.
In a social media announcement, the retailer stated its stores would be closed on Boxing Day "because even we need a little break from all the festive fun." A separate Christmas announcement elaborated, saying it was "time for some festive R&R" so that "our incredible teams can enjoy the celebrations with loved ones."
Shopper Reaction and Industry Trend
The decision has been met with widespread approval from customers online. More than 1,300 people liked the Instagram post, with many commenting in support. One shopper wrote, "Well deserved," while another stated, "Amazing, well deserved for all of the staff! More shops should do the same, Boxing Day is family time, not shopping time."
The sentiment was echoed by others, with calls for more retailers to adopt the policy. "I hope all stores follow your lead. Retail staff need to have a break and enjoy Christmas too," added a further comment.
The Range is not alone in choosing to remain closed on December 26. Other major chains including Aldi, Lidl, Marks & Spencer, and Home Bargains have also announced they will keep their doors shut on Boxing Day this year.
Retailers United in Giving Thanks
Aldi's UK Communications Director, Rebecca Heley, explained their reasoning: “Christmas is a special time, and we want to ensure all of our colleagues have the opportunity to relax and enjoy it with their loved ones. We know how hard colleagues work to deliver an amazing Christmas for our customers, and this is one small way of saying thank you.”
Home Bargains posted a similar message on Facebook, thanking colleagues for their hard work over the past year and encouraging them to "relax and enjoy the Christmas break." Marks & Spencer began its Boxing Day closure policy in December 2020 as a thank you to staff for their efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic.
While physical stores will be closed, shoppers eager to browse The Range's Boxing Day sales will still be able to do so online during the festive period. The move highlights a growing shift in the retail sector towards prioritising employee welfare during the holidays, even at the potential cost of lost in-store sales on one of the traditionally busiest shopping days of the year.
