Aldi has announced that all 1,050 of its UK stores will remain closed on Boxing Day once again this year, extending its festive shutdown to three full days as the discount supermarket prioritises staff wellbeing over traditional post-Christmas sales.
The German discount retailer, which employs more than 45,000 people across Britain and holds its position as the nation’s fourth-largest supermarket, confirmed stores will shut on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Branches will reopen on Friday, 27 December, before closing again for the New Year celebration.
Rebecca Heley, Communications Director at Aldi UK, said the decision reflects the company’s commitment to its workforce. “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,” she stated. “We know how hard colleagues work to deliver an amazing Christmas for our customers, and this is one small way of saying thank you.”
Growing Trend Among Major Retailers
Aldi’s announcement comes as part of a broader shift in British retail, with several major chains choosing employee welfare over Boxing Day profits. Home Bargains is also set to close all of its branches on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day this year. The value retailer will additionally close early at 5pm on Christmas Eve, allowing staff extra time with families during the festive period.
John Lewis will shut its standalone stores on Boxing Day, with only its Trafford and Stratford shopping centre shops remaining open. Meanwhile, Marks & Spencer, Next and John Lewis will buck the trend of opening on 26 December to allow staff to “spend more time with loved ones”.
Poundland joins John Lewis, Waitrose, and Home Bargains in confirming its closure on 26 December. The closures mark a significant departure from traditional Boxing Day trading, historically one of the busiest shopping days of the year.
Extended Hours Before Christmas
To compensate for the closure, Aldi will operate extended trading hours in the days leading up to Christmas, ensuring customers can complete their festive shopping. The supermarket has assured shoppers that stores will be well-stocked throughout the busy period.
Store opening times will vary by location during the festive season, with Aldi advising customers to check their local branch details through the company’s store locator tool on its website. The retailer emphasised that extended hours will help accommodate increased demand whilst still allowing staff their well-deserved break.
Boxing Day Shopping in Decline
The decision to close on Boxing Day reflects changing consumer habits and economic realities. Morning footfall on U.K. high streets was down 10.1% compared to last year, with shopping center traffic down 6.1%. According to recent research by MRI Software, UK high streets experienced a 6.2% drop in foot traffic in 2024 compared to the previous year, while shopping centers saw a 4.2% reduction in visitor numbers.
“The growing presence of online shopping continues to reshape spending habits.” MRI Software analyst Jenni Matthews noted that “Many retailers kicked off their Boxing Day sales online [on Christmas Day], providing shoppers with the opportunity to grab early bargains from the comfort of their own home.”
The shift towards online shopping has fundamentally altered the Boxing Day landscape. Barclays Consumer Spend data from 2023 which showed that 63.9 per cent of Boxing Day retail purchases were made online. This trend has accelerated, with many consumers preferring to avoid crowds and shop from home.
Staff Welfare Takes Priority
Aldi’s decision follows its significant investment in workforce expansion and competitive pay rates. Britain’s fourth-largest supermarket, which currently has more than 1,000 stores and employs more than 45,000 colleagues, plans to continue growing at speed throughout 2024. The company created 5,500 new roles across the UK in 2024, demonstrating its commitment to both growth and employee satisfaction.
Starting pay for store assistants at Aldi is £12.40 per hour nationally, rising to £13.35 per hour, and £13.65 per hour inside the M25, rising to £13.95 per hour. Aldi remains the only UK supermarket to offer paid breaks, worth more than £900 annually for the average store colleague.
Richard Thornton, Communications Director at Aldi UK, explained the company’s philosophy: “Christmas is such a special period for many of our colleagues, and by keeping our stores closed on Boxing Day, Aldi gives them more time to spend with their loved ones.”
Consumer Response and Industry Impact
The retail closures come as British consumers face continued economic pressures. In the last three months, the number of struggling retailers has risen by more than 25%, according to data from the corporate restructuring company Begbies Traynor. This surge highlights ongoing challenges in the sector, with retailers balancing operational costs against changing shopping patterns.
Despite store closures, spending continues. Barclays estimates that British consumers will spend £4.6 billion on Boxing Day this year, slightly less than the £4.7 billion spent in 2023. However, much of this spending has shifted online, with physical stores seeing diminished returns from remaining open.
New Barclays Consumer Spend research shows the post-Christmas sales remain popular as UK shoppers expect to spend an average of £236 each this year. Yet the nature of this spending has evolved, with practical purchases taking precedence over luxury items.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As Aldi continues its ambitious expansion plans, the company remains focused on balancing growth with employee welfare. The retailer plans to open one new store per week throughout the coming year, maintaining its trajectory towards 1,500 UK locations.
The shift away from Boxing Day trading represents a fundamental change in British retail culture. What was once considered essential trading has become optional, with retailers recognising that staff wellbeing and operational efficiency often outweigh the benefits of opening on the traditional sales day.
For shoppers planning their festive shopping, the message is clear: plan ahead. With multiple major retailers closing on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, last-minute shopping options will be limited. Aldi customers should note that stores will reopen on 27 December for those needing supplies between Christmas and New Year.
The broader implications of this trend suggest a permanent shift in how British retailers approach the festive season. As online shopping continues to dominate and consumer habits evolve, the traditional Boxing Day shopping experience may become a relic of the past, replaced by a more balanced approach that prioritises both commercial success and employee wellbeing.
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Image Credit:
Aldi, Renfrew — photo by Billy McCrorie, CC BY-SA 2.0
