Most supermarkets confirmed to remain shut on Boxing Day this year

Most of the supermarkets in the UK are set to remain closed on Boxing Day this year.

Except Asda and Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrison, Aldi, Waitrose, Iceland and John Lewis have confirmed their plan to remain closed on Boxing Day. 

Sainsbury’s remained open on Boxing Day in 2020, but has chosen to close its stores on Boxing Day in 2021. Sainsbury’s-owned Argos and Habitat will also be shut. It means around 170,000 employees will get a day off.

Last year, Morrisons kept supermarkets open on Boxing Day and offered double pay to staff, but the retailer confirmed it will keep its 497 stores shut on Sunday December 26, 2021.

Like the preceding 30 years, Aldi supermarkets around the country will be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day in 2021. Stores are due to shut at 6pm on Christmas Eve and reopen at 8am on December 27.

Tesco chose to remain open on Boxing Day last year despite calls from trade unions to give their workers the day after Christmas off.

Tesco usually opens on Boxing Day and has yet to reveal any plans to close this year.

Marks & Spencer will close on Boxing Day. Boss Steve Rowe confirmed the move in a message to 70,000 employees, saying the closure is to thank staff for hard work over the past year.

John Lewis stores will also be shut “as usual” on Boxing Day although a select few are staying open.

Discount retailer Wilko has also confirmed it will be closed on Boxing Day. Home Bargains says it is keeping all 500 of its stores closed on Boxing Day. They will also shut on New Year’s Day.

Health chain Holland and Barrett is giving its 500 store and warehouse staff a day off on Boxing Day.

For the second year in a row Pets at Home will be closed on Boxing Day, the retailer has confirmed.