Halfords has made the decision to shut down all its outlets on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day this year. The automotive retailer aims to provide its employees throughout the UK with a well-deserved break to enjoy time with their families. In addition to being closed on Christmas Day, Halfords stores will resume normal operations on all other days during the festive period.
Henry Birch, the Chief Executive Officer at Halfords, expressed gratitude towards the staff for their hard work and dedication throughout the year. He emphasized the importance of acknowledging their efforts by allowing them to unwind and spend quality time with loved ones during the holidays.
This move by Halfords follows a period of increased sales and profits over the last six months. The cycling division experienced a 9% surge in sales for the half-year ending on September 26 compared to the previous year, contributing to a 3.3% rise in total revenues to £893.3 million. The motoring and autocentres sectors also saw positive growth, with like-for-like revenues increasing by 1.1% and 4.3%, respectively.
Besides Halfords, other retailers like Home Bargains and Aldi have also chosen to keep their doors closed on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day as part of their holiday traditions. Home Bargains expressed gratitude to its team for their hard work and encouraged them to relax and enjoy the festive break with family. Similarly, Aldi will offer extended operating hours leading up to Christmas to accommodate customer needs while giving employees the chance to unwind on Boxing Day.
These closures reflect a growing trend among retailers to prioritize the well-being of their staff during the holiday season and show appreciation for their dedication throughout the year.