Halfords has revealed that it will shut down all of its stores on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day this year. The decision aims to allow employees throughout the UK to have a well-deserved break and spend quality time with their families. While Halfords locations will be closed on Christmas Day as well, they will maintain regular operations on all other days during the festive period.
Henry Birch, the Chief Executive Officer at Halfords, expressed gratitude towards the hard work of the staff, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging their efforts and providing them with the opportunity to unwind and enjoy time with loved ones. Birch highlighted that the closure of stores on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day serves as a meaningful gesture to show appreciation and ensure that the teams return rejuvenated for the upcoming year.
Following an uptick in sales and profits over the previous half-year, Halfords reported a 9% increase in cycling business sales for the half-year ending on September 26 compared to the previous year. This growth contributed to a 3.3% rise in total revenues to £893.3 million for the same period. Additionally, the company saw a 1.1% increase in like-for-like motoring revenues and a 4.3% growth in its autocentres business.
Moreover, Home Bargains has also decided to keep its stores closed on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, continuing a practice from previous years. The retailer expressed gratitude to its employees for their hard work and encouraged them to relax and enjoy the holiday season with their families. Similarly, Aldi will keep its stores closed on December 26 and New Year’s Day to allow its staff to have a well-deserved break and enjoy the festive period.
In conclusion, several retailers, including Halfords, Home Bargains, and Aldi, are prioritizing the well-being of their employees by closing their stores on key festive days to ensure that their teams have the opportunity to recharge and spend quality time with loved ones.