Boxing Day 2024: What’s open and closed | All about the festive tradition

As the festive season draws to a close, many people might find themselves needing to step out for essentials or take advantage of the Boxing Day sales.

However, not all retailers and supermarkets will swing their doors open on December 26.

Over the past few years, several stores have embraced a new tradition of staying closed on Boxing Day, a practice initiated during the pandemic in 2020.


This shift means it’s essential for shoppers to plan their day and understand which stores will remain closed and which will reopen for business.

Below is a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this year’s Boxing Day closures, as mentioned in a report by Your city.

Supermarkets Remaining Closed on Boxing Day

Several major supermarket chains have decided to keep their outlets closed on December 26 to give employees a well-deserved break.

Aldi: All Aldi stores will stay closed on Boxing Day and resume normal operations from December 27, opening from 8 am to 8 pm.

Iceland and Food Warehouse: These outlets will also remain closed on December 26, reopening the next day from 9 am to 8 pm.

Waitrose: The premium supermarket chain will keep its stores shut on Boxing Day, with exceptions at select Shell garage locations.

Retailers Following the Boxing Day Closure Tradition

Beyond supermarkets, several popular retailers have also chosen to remain closed on December 26.

Marks & Spencer (M&S): M&S Food Halls will not open on Boxing Day, resuming operations on December 27 with slightly reduced hours.

Next: Known for its post-Christmas sale, Next will delay its in-store sales to December 27, reopening on that day.

Home Bargains: This discount retailer will keep its outlets closed on December 26, with stores reopening at reduced hours the following day.

John Lewis: The department store will reopen on December 27, with Glasgow’s outlet open from 9 am to 7 pm and Edinburgh’s from 9:30 am to 6 pm.

Why Some Stores Stay Closed

The practice of staying closed on Boxing Day started during the first wave of the pandemic in 2020 as a gesture of appreciation toward employees.

This tradition has persisted, with many retailers using the opportunity to offer their staff an additional day of rest during the busy holiday season.

FAQs:

Why is it called Boxing Day Test?

The Boxing Day Test, an iconic cricketing event, takes place each year at the MCG starting on December 26. This tradition stems from the historical observance of Boxing Day in Commonwealth countries, originally a holiday dedicated to giving back to service staff following Christmas.

Why is 26 December known as Boxing Day?

Boxing Day, observed on the day after Christmas, originally served as a time to give gifts to the less fortunate. In modern times, however, it has become widely recognized as a major shopping holiday.