Every year, the UK observes Christmas Day and Boxing Day as bank holidays, with the latter marked as an additional bank holiday in Scotland since 1974.
December 26, which falls on a Thursday this year, is often a huge day in the retail calendar, with many shops offering Boxing Day sales.
Some high street chains that don’t launch huge discounts across their stock still welcome customers back after December 25, but there’s no blanket rule in the UK. Next, one of the biggest Boxing Day sales retailers, has changed its opening hours this year.
Express.co.uk has rounded up the updated opening times for the nation’s favourite retail giants, whether you need to top up on some kitchen staples or fancy browsing sale offers.
It should be noted that all opening times are subject to change, so it’s best to use a store finder before visiting the shops.
John Lewis
The UK’s most popular department store, John Lewis, will open just two of its 34 UK sites on Boxing Day. These are located in the country’s biggest shopping centres: Westfield Stratford and the Manchester Trafford Centre.
John Lewis in Stratford will open between 10am and 5pm, and the Trafford Centre branch will welcome customers between 10am and 8pm.
Next
The fashion and homeware giant closed all stores on December 26 since 2021 to give its workers more time at home with their families at Christmas.
In the past, Next launched its Christmas sale online on December 24, with its in-store sale starting at 6am on December 27.
Lidl
The famously affordable supermarket chain will keep stores closed over Christmas to give staff some respite from the chaos.
All Lidl stores will close in England and Wales on Boxing Day, December 26. However, stores in Scotland will reopen on Boxing Day between 11am and 5pm.
Tesco
Tesco store opening hours may differ across the country over the festive period, though most of them will observe the following opening hours:
- Thursday, December 26 (Boxing Day) – 9am to 6pm
Morrisons
Morrisons is open throughout the festive season, only closing on Christmas Day. Hours can vary from store to store, and in Scotland, so check before visiting.
- Thursday, December 26 (Boxing Day) – 9am to 6pm
Sainsbury’s
Most Sainsbury’s stores will observe the following opening hours over Christmas, though shoppers should use the store finder tool to check local opening hours before heading out.
- Thursday, December 26 (Boxing Day) – 9am to 6pm
Marks and Spencer
All M&S Food will be closed on Boxing Day, December 26 and New Year’s Day, January 1.
Aldi
Aldi will close all its UK stores on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
Asda
Asda’s opening times vary across its stores, with some open 24 hours daily. However, most stores will observe the following trading hours:
- Thursday, December 26 (Boxing Day) – 9am to 6pm
Co-op
On Thursday, December 26 (Boxing Day), Co-op convenience stores will open between 9am to 7pm.
Waitrose
A spokesperson said: “All our shops will be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, except for certain Shell sites. For New Year’s Day, some shops will be opening as normal for trading with reduced hours.”
- Thursday, December 26 (Boxing Day) – Closed
B&M
Most B&M stores in the UK will welcome customers between 9am and 6pm on Boxing Day.
