Some big stores are set to stay closed on Boxing Day this year

What has traditionally been a day of bargain hunting and spectacular spending is going to be very different in 2021, as more retail stores announce Boxing Day closures in 2021.

The likes of Home Bargains, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and M&S have already announced that they are closing their doors on Boxing Day to give their staff members more time to spend with their families.

Now, Wilko has offered its employees an extended Christmas break.

After what has been a difficult year through the covid pandemic for many working in the retail sector, the home wares giant has said that it wants to say thank you to its hard-working staff.

“We want to share some great news,” a spokesperson for the store said.

“Wilko has announced that all its stores will close this Boxing Day!

“As a family owned retailer, Wilko understands the importance of spending quality time with loved ones and after such a difficult year, Wilko has decided to give all its team members a day off on 26th December to spend with their families this Christmas.”

Morrisons, who were one of the first to announce that they were closing on Boxing Day said that they had been “listening” to their colleagues, and that by closing on the national holiday, they will be “giving as many of our key workers as possible a two-day weekend”.

Sainsbury’s, M&S and Pets At Home also announced earlier this year that they would be closing on Boxing Day.

Some retailers went even further though.

Home Bargains and Poundland have also given their staff members New Year’s Day off, and Poundland has also given their staff a £25 voucher each to be used at the store.

Waitrose have said that they are also closing all their stores except those in motorway services and in Shell forecourts, some of which are 24 hour stores.