Home Bargains has announced that all of its over 600 stores across the UK will be closed for three days during the Christmas and New Year period. The budget retailer confirmed at its annual conference that stores will be shut on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day, allowing staff to spend time with family.
Additionally, all Home Bargains stores will close early at 5pm on Christmas Eve. The chain is the first major retailer to formally announce its Christmas opening hours for 2025, though others are expected to follow.
A spokesperson for Home Bargains said: “Our colleagues work incredibly hard throughout the year, and we want to recognise that commitment. As a family-run business, we understand the importance of spending time with family and friends, particularly over the holidays. We’re proud to give our teams additional time off to enjoy the festive season.”
Home Bargains employs more than 28,500 people, making it the largest employer in the Merseyside area. The company has a history of closing on Boxing Day, having done so in 2023 and 2024, bucking the trend of many retailers that start sales on that day.
The decision comes amid ongoing debate about Boxing Day trading. A 2016 petition calling for all retail to close on Boxing Day garnered over 148,000 signatures and was debated in parliament. However, the government responded that it would not mandate closures, leaving the choice to individual businesses.
