Aldi has announced that it will close all its stores on Boxing Day as a gesture of appreciation to its colleagues for their hard work. The supermarket chain will shut its doors on 25th and 26th December, reopening on Wednesday 27th for customers to gather essentials for their New Year celebrations.
In the lead-up to Christmas, Aldi will have extended opening hours to accommodate customers stocking up for the festive season. Richard Thornton, Communications Director at Aldi UK, stated, “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 can look forward to exciting Christmas ranges on shelves ahead of the festive season.”
The supermarket has also revealed plans to open 23 new locations before the year ends, with investments totaling a record £800 million in 2024. Some of the new locations include Muswell Hill in London and Mere Green in Birmingham.
In the UK, Boxing Day, celebrated on 26th December, is a public holiday following Christmas Day. It originated as a day when servants and tradespeople would receive gifts or “Christmas boxes” from their employers as appreciation for their service. Today, Boxing Day is known for relaxation, time with family and friends, shopping, and sporting events such as football matches and horse racing.
While the exact origins of Boxing Day remain unclear, the tradition of giving and charitable acts continues to be a key aspect of the day. Aldi’s decision to close on Boxing Day aligns with this tradition and aims to give its employees time to enjoy the holiday with their loved ones.