# UK retail holiday closure announcements

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/uk-retail-holiday-closure-announcements
> Updated: 2026-09-06T08:00:00.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 3.

Major UK retailers have announced holiday closure plans for the upcoming festive season to support staff welfare.

Home Bargains confirmed that all 617 of its UK branches will close on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day. A company spokesperson noted the decision reflects a “family-run ethos” intended to provide employees with extra time off to spend with family and friends.

Following this trend, Aldi UK announced it will close all UK stores on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day. Communications Director Rachel Geary stated the Boxing Day closure is a way to thank colleagues for their hard work and provide a chance to “rest and switch off” during a busy period. 

Aldi confirmed that stores will reopen on 27 December following the Christmas closure and on 2 January 2027 after the New Year’s Day closure. While specific opening hours may vary by location in the days leading up to Christmas, many branches plan to extend hours to accommodate customer needs.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-06: Aldi to close UK stores on Boxing Day and New Year

Aldi will close all UK stores on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day to provide staff rest. Separately, the retailer was named the UK’s cheapest supermarket by Which?, amid ongoing debate over self-service checkouts.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aldi-to-close-uk-stores-on-boxing-day-and-new-year

### 2026-09-02: Aldi UK to close all stores on Boxing Day

Aldi UK has confirmed its stores will close on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day to provide staff with time off during the festive season.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aldi-uk-to-close-all-stores-on-boxing-day

### 2026-08-28: Home Bargains to close all UK stores on Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year's Day

Home Bargains will close all 617 UK stores on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day to allow staff additional time off during the festive season.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/home-bargains-to-close-all-uk-stores-on-christmas-boxing-day-and-new-years-day

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Cite as: UK retail holiday closure announcements. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/uk-retail-holiday-closure-announcements