SAINSBURY’S stores will be closed on Boxing Day this year.
In a statement, the supermarket said it made the decision not to trade as thank you to employees for their hard work over the course of the pandemic.
Sainsbury’s sister retail businesses Argos and Habitat will also close on 26 December.
The supermarket is not the only major retailer set to close its doors on 26 December, with Morrisons also planning to close almost 500 stores on Boxing Day. Other businesses planning to shut for the bank holiday include Aldi, M&S, and Home Bargains.
Simon Roberts, chief executive of Sainsbury’s, said: “Christmas is a really special time for so many, but because of lockdown restrictions last year, lots of us weren’t able to celebrate in the way we wanted.
Paddy Lillis, general secretary of shop worker trade union Usdaw, said: “After discussions with Sainsbury’s we very much welcome the company closing all their stores on Boxing Day this year, to give their staff a proper break over Christmas.
“The pandemic showed just how important shopworkers are to our society and communities, as they stepped up and kept essential services running throughout.
“Key workers have done so much this year and we don’t think it is too much to ask to give them the longest possible break over the festive season.”
