Home Bargains has confirmed it will close all 76 of its stores across Scotland on three specific days this year: Christmas Day (December 25), Boxing Day (December 26) and New Year's Day (January 1). The discount chain confirmed the move to the Daily Record, following similar closures in previous years to give staff more time with their families over the holiday period.
All UK stores affected
The decision affects not just Scottish stores but all 617 stores across the UK, which will also be closed on the same three days. While many retailers traditionally reopened for Boxing Day and New Year sales, Home Bargains changed its approach as a direct result of the Covid-19 pandemic, a shift that has become a more recent tradition for the firm.
In addition to the full closures, the retailer has been known to close earlier on Christmas Eve, with many stores operating reduced hours and closing at around 5pm in the past, although this may differ this December.
Christmas range already in stock
Despite it still being August, Home Bargains has already begun stocking its Christmas range ahead of schedule. The retailer teased its 1.2 million Instagram followers with a 'sneak peek' of the upcoming festive range. On its website, shoppers can already find trees, gift sets and seasonal ornaments, including ceramic LED houses and pastel gingerbread houses. The Polar Express collection, based on the 2004 animated Christmas film, has also returned for 2026, featuring themed velour pyjamas for the whole family.
Shoppers have responded enthusiastically to the early announcement, with one comment reading: "Oh wow I can’t wait. It all looks fabulous." Another wrote: "Stop I’m so excited!!!!" And someone else added: "Died and gone to Christmas heaven."
While Home Bargains has not provided an official comment this year, a spokesperson told the Daily Record in previous years: "We know how hard all our colleagues have worked throughout the year. Being a family-run business, we recognise the importance of spending quality time with our loved ones. Therefore, we feel it is only right to support our valued store teams by giving them extended time off around Christmas and New Year." Shoppers can find their local store using the store locator tool.
