Are you ready for Boxing Day shopping? Here’s a heads-up that many popular retailers will not be welcoming customers in-store on December 26th, and you might want to adjust your plans accordingly. While online shopping will still be available, it’s becoming increasingly common for major brands to close their physical stores on this day, allowing employees to enjoy some much-deserved time off.
Both Aldi and Lidl, well-known grocery chains, will be closed, along with a variety of other significant retailers such as Marks & Spencer, Home Bargains, and Poundland. On the other hand, several supermarkets like Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's, and Morrisons will remain open, albeit with shorter hours than usual. Retailers like Primark and Matalan have also confirmed they will operate on Boxing Day. It’s worth noting that John Lewis will keep most of its locations shut, except for its branches at Westfield Stratford City and the Trafford Centre in Manchester, which will be open to shoppers.
Before you head out, it’s essential to check the specific opening hours of your chosen stores online to avoid any disappointment. In line with this, recent findings from VoucherCodes.co.uk indicate that Britons are projected to spend an impressive £3.81 billion this Boxing Day—an increase of 2.2% compared to last year, marking the highest spending level since 2021.
The following Saturday, December 27th, is anticipated to generate significant sales as well, with expected spending reaching £3.48 billion, up by 4.9% from the previous year. However, spending is expected to drop to £1.02 billion on New Year’s Eve.
Here’s a comprehensive list of stores that will be closed on Boxing Day:
- Aldi
- Lidl
- Marks & Spencer
- Home Bargains
- The Range
- Poundland
- Dobbies
- The Works
- Pets at Home
- B&Q
- Next
- Wickes
And here’s a rundown of stores that will be open on Boxing Day:
- Tesco
- Asda
- Morrisons
- Sainsbury's
- Primark
- Matalan
- Superdrug
- Boots
- H&M
- New Look
- B&M
- John Lewis (only at its Westfield Stratford City and Manchester Trafford Centre locations)
To make the most of your Boxing Day shopping experience and save some money, consider these helpful tips:
- Price Comparison: Always compare prices across various platforms to ensure you're truly finding a good deal. Websites like Price Spy, Google Shopping, Price Runner, and CamelCamelCamel can help you track price changes efficiently.
- Create a Shopping List: Drafting a list of items you intend to purchase can help you stay focused and avoid unnecessary expenses. Remember, a bargain isn’t really a bargain if it wasn’t something you needed in the first place.
- Use Discount Codes: Keep an eye out for discount codes, especially those that can be stacked. VoucherCodes often indicates whether a code can be used alongside ongoing promotions.
- Stay Cautious of Scams: Stick to buying from reputable retailers you trust. If you’re unsure about a retailer, checking their ratings on Trustpilot can provide some reassurance. When in doubt, it's best to refrain from making a purchase.
