Boxing Day sale off as M&S staff get holiday
STORE BOSSES MAKE U-TURN TO ALLOW FAMILY GET-TOGETHERS
THERE will be no traditional Boxing Day sale in M&S shops this year.
Instead the retailer has decided to close after the Government announced families could meet over the Christmas period.
The high street giant had been planning to open more than 200 stores on December 26 but has now given shop workers an extra day off to be with their loved ones, so traditional Boxing Day sale shopping is off.
Steve Rowe, chief executive, said: “Throughout the pandemic, our colleagues have gone above and beyond to deliver for our customers and as we enter the busy festive season they are doubling down on their efforts once again to help our customers deliver the Christmas magic for their families and friends.
“2020 has been a uniquely challenging year for everyone and this Christmas, the celebrations we have, will be more precious than ever. That’s why in the run up to Christmas we are opening longer hours and have accelerated the launch of new digital services such as Sparks Book and Shop to help our customers prepare, but it’s also why we have taken the decision to close our operations on Boxing Day, so that our colleagues can enjoy more special time with their loved ones.
“This is a big decision, but it is absolutely the right one given the incredible effort everyone has made in the most challenging of circumstances.”
As well as closing stores, the customer contact centre and distribution centre in Castle Donington will also shut to give staff two days off over Christmas.
Around 400 stores will be staying open until midnight from December 21 to 23.
Along with the wider retail sector, M&S is asking the government to consider the relaxation of current Sunday restrictions in December to boost the economy and help social distancing.