Halfords has revealed its decision to shut down all its stores on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day this year. The motoring retailer aims to provide its employees in the UK with a well-deserved break to spend quality time with their loved ones. While Halfords stores will be closed on Christmas Day as well, they will resume normal operations on all other days during the festive period.
Henry Birch, the Chief Executive Officer at Halfords, emphasized the dedication of their staff in serving customers throughout the year, often working long hours to keep the country moving. Birch expressed the importance of acknowledging this effort by allowing everyone to disconnect and enjoy time with family and friends.
This move to close stores on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day is a gesture of appreciation and aims to ensure that their teams return rejuvenated for the upcoming year.
Following an impressive performance in the past half-year, Halfords reported a surge in sales and profits. Cycling business sales surged by 9% for the half-year ending on September 26 compared to the previous year, contributing to a 3.3% increase in total revenues to £893.3 million. Additionally, like-for-like motoring revenues rose by 1.1%, and the autocentres business saw a 4.3% growth.
Apart from Halfords, Home Bargains has also decided to keep its stores closed on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, continuing a tradition from previous years. Similarly, Aldi is set to close its doors on December 26 and New Year’s Day, offering extended operating hours leading up to Christmas to accommodate customer needs.
Rebecca Heley, the Communications Director at Aldi UK, emphasized the importance of allowing all colleagues to unwind and cherish the festive season with their loved ones. This closure on Boxing Day serves as a token of gratitude for the hard work put in by Aldi’s staff to deliver a memorable Christmas experience for customers.