Many supermarket workers have been recognized by their employers for their hard work throughout the pandemic in 2020 by being granted Boxing Day leave.

And now, in 2021, several supermarkets will perpetuate that sentiment by remaining closed on December 26.

So far, four of the “Big Seven” supermarkets have announced they will close their doors on Boxing Day. However, Asda has yet to confirm its plans for the holiday, which falls on a Sunday this year. A decision will be taken “closer” to the day.

Read more: The new replacement store Sainsbury’s Local in Gloucester

Tesco has yet to say whether it will be closed on December 26, 2021. The supermarket opposed union calls last year and decided to stay open on Boxing Day.

Despite being open on Boxing Day 2020, Sainsbury’s has made the decision to remain closed on Boxing Day this year, which means around 170,000 employees will be given a day off.

Supermarkets and stores closed on Boxing Day 2021

Asda and Lidl have yet to confirm whether they will be closed on Boxing Day. Last year, the former closed its stores on December 26, and the latter closed all stores outside the M25 zone.

Expect reduced hours on Monday, December 27 and Tuesday, December 28, as they are both statutory holidays, as Christmas and Boxing Day fall on a Saturday and Sunday, respectively.

Morrisons

Last year Morrisons stores were open Boxing Day and staff were paid double. However, the retailer has announced that it will keep its 497 stores closed on Boxing Day 2021.

This means Morrisons supermarkets will be closed for two consecutive days, December 25 and 26. For Morrisons hours of operation, check out its online store locator here.

Aldi

Aldi has chosen to close its supermarkets on Boxing Day for over 30 years, and 2021 is no exception.

Across the country, Aldi gates will close at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve and reopen on December 27 at 8 a.m.

Extended opening hours will be introduced as Christmas approaches – you can find the opening hours for your nearest Aldi store here.

Sainsbury’s, Argos and Habitat

Sainsbury’s will close all supermarkets, gas stations and small convenience stores on Boxing Day 2021. Argos and Habitat, owned by Sainsbury’s, will also be closed.

Simon Roberts, Managing Director of Sainsbury’s, said: “Christmas is a really special time for many, but due to lockdown restrictions last year, many of us weren’t able to celebrate the way we wanted. In recognition of this and to warmly thank all of our colleagues for all they have done during the past difficult year, we will be closing all of our supermarkets, convenience stores and gas stations, as well as Argos and Habitat stores, this The day after Christmas.

“I would like to thank our customers in advance for their understanding, which will allow as many of our team to take a well-deserved break to spend time with their loved ones. “

Check out the Sainsbury’s store locator here for Gloucestershire supermarket hours.

For the Argos store locator, go here.

Waitrose and John Lewis

With the exception of certain stores at Welcome Break Motorway Service Stations and Shell forecourts, all Waitrose and John Lewis stores will be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day 2021.

Most Waitrose stores will close on Christmas Eve at 6 p.m., with extended hours for the days leading up to December 24.

With the exception of one in Trafford, all John Lewis stores will be closed on Boxing Day.

Check out the Waitrose store locator here for opening hours in Gloucestershire.

John Lewis’ store finder is here.

Marks and Spencer

Marks and Spencer will be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

A message was sent to 70,000 employees, stating that supermarkets would be closed on Boxing Day to thank the staff for their hard work over the past year.

Boss Steve Rowe wrote, “Across the country, our colleagues have been there for our clients under the most difficult circumstances.

“As a small thank you for their incredible hard work, we have made the decision to close our operations on Boxing Day once again this year, to allow our colleagues to spend more time with their family and loved ones.”

Check out M&S ​​opening hours here.

Iceland

Iceland confirmed its closure on Christmas Day and Boxing Day in September, when boss Richard Walker appeared on Question Time.

Check the Iceland store locator for hours of operation near you.

Wilko

Wilko will be closed on Boxing Day.

A spokesperson said: “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 of his team members a day off on December 26 to spend with their families this Christmas.”

Check the Wilko store locator for hours of operation.

Home Good deals

All 500 Home Bargains stores will be closed on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, to thank the staff for their hard work.

A spokesperson said: “We recognize how hard all of our colleagues have worked over the past year, to continue to serve the local communities who rely so much on them.

“In light of this, we felt it was fair to reward the store teams by making the decision to close all of our stores on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, and also to close stores early at 5 p.m. Christmas Eve.

“As a family business, we know the importance of being together at Christmas with those we hold most dear, now more than ever, and this is our way of saying thank you to all of our colleagues for their work. hard work and dedication. “

Check out the Home Bargains opening hours here.

Holland and Barrett

Holland and Barrett’s staff will be given a day off Boxing Day, which means all 500 stores in the health chain will be closed.

Anthony Houghton, Director of Retail and Real Estate at Holland and Barrett, said: “The decision to close our stores in the UK and Ireland on December 25 and 26, one of the busiest commercial times. in charge of the year, is to say thank you to our colleagues who have worked tirelessly and under very difficult restrictions since the start of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020.

“I want to thank everyone at Holland and Barrett for their hard work and continued commitment to each other and to our clients and I hope this time away from work allows them to spend quality time with their loved ones. during this period.”

Check out Holland and Barrett’s hours of operation here.

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Pets at home

Pets at Home has confirmed it will close on Boxing Day for the second year in a row.

CEO Peter Pritchard said, “Our people are the beating heart of our business and they have worked tirelessly again this year to ensure that the nation’s pets and their owners have access to everything they need to. stay happy and healthy.

“Taking care of our colleagues is something we take very seriously and closing our stores again on Boxing Day is another little way to show our appreciation and say thank you. It’s a bit early to wish anyone a Merry Christmas, but we hope our colleagues can take advantage of this time to relax with family and friends, and of course, their pets.

Go here to check Pets at Home opening hours.

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