Aldi has confirmed its Christmas store closure dates for 2024, following in the footsteps of retailers like John Lewis and Waitrose. The budget supermarket announced that its stores will be closed on both Christmas Day and Boxing Day. However, Aldi reassured customers that the doors will reopen on Friday, December 27, ensuring that shoppers can stock up on essentials for their New Year celebrations.
Richard Thornton, Communications Director at Aldi UK, highlighted the significance of the holiday season for their staff, stating that by keeping stores closed on Boxing Day, Aldi gives employees more time to spend with their loved ones. The supermarket also mentioned that leading up to Christmas, store hours may vary across different locations, with some stores extending their opening times to accommodate festive shopping needs.
Aldi’s decision to close on Boxing Day aligns with other major retailers’ plans, such as John Lewis and Waitrose. While both John Lewis and Waitrose will also close their doors on December 26, Waitrose specified that select stores attached to petrol stations will remain open. Additionally, John Lewis will have a couple of stores open at the Trafford and Stratford shopping centres on Boxing Day.
The practice of closing stores or operating with reduced hours on Boxing Day is not uncommon among supermarkets. Past examples include Asda, Tesco, and Morrisons implementing similar measures during the holiday period. The move to close on Boxing Day reflects a growing trend among retailers to prioritise the well-being of employees and allow them to enjoy the festive season with their families.
As Aldi prepares for the Christmas season, customers can look forward to exciting holiday ranges hitting the shelves in the coming weeks. With the closure of stores on Boxing Day, Aldi aims to create a more relaxed and enjoyable Christmas period for both its staff and customers.