Aldi confirms two-day closure for every store
Aldi has announced its doors will remain shut on Christmas Day and Boxing Day as a gesture to its staff, enabling them to enjoy the festive period with their loved ones.
The retailer, renowned for giving its employees these bank holidays off, will welcome shoppers back on December 27. In the lead-up to Christmas, Aldi's store hours will change, so patrons are encouraged to use the online store locator for accurate timings.
Over 1,020 stores operate under the Aldi banner, providing jobs to more than 45,000 people across the country. It has several branches in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.
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Richard Thornton, Communications Director at Aldi UK, commented on the closure, saying: "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. Customers will have plenty to look forward to in the run-up to Christmas, with exciting Christmas ranges hitting shelves in time for the festive season."
Similarly, John Lewis and Waitrose, part of the John Lewis Group, have stated that they, too, will not open on Christmas Day or Boxing Day - except for John Lewis outlets in Trafford and Stratford which will trade on Boxing Day. The company added that most of their stores shall remain closed on New Year's Day as well.
Shoppers are being reminded to check opening times online to ensure they don't make a fruitless trip. Home Bargains has confirmed it will shut all its stores on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day, with an early closure at 5pm on Christmas Eve, instead of the normal closing times of 8pm or 9pm.