Halfords has revealed that it will shut down all its stores on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day this year. The automotive retailer aims to provide its staff across the UK with a well-deserved break to enjoy time with their families. While Halfords stores will be closed on Christmas Day as well, they will operate as usual on all other days during the festive season.
Henry Birch, the Chief Executive Officer at Halfords, emphasized the dedication of their employees who work tirelessly throughout the year to serve customers. He stated that it is essential to acknowledge their hard work by allowing them to unwind and spend quality time with their loved ones. Birch highlighted that the decision to close stores on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day is a gesture of appreciation to ensure the teams return rejuvenated for the upcoming year.
Following increased sales and profits in the past six months, Halfords reported a 9% rise in cycling business sales for the half-year ending on September 26. This contributed to a 3.3% growth in total revenues to £893.3 million. Additionally, the group experienced a 1.1% increase in like-for-like motoring revenues and a 4.3% growth in its autocentres business.
Apart from Halfords, Home Bargains has also opted to keep its stores closed on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, continuing its tradition from previous years. Similarly, Aldi will close its doors on December 26 and New Year’s Day, with extended operating hours leading up to Christmas to accommodate customer needs. Rebecca Heley, Aldi UK’s Communications Director, expressed the importance of providing colleagues with the opportunity to relax and enjoy the festive season with their families as a token of gratitude for their hard work.
In conclusion, several retailers, including Halfords, Home Bargains, and Aldi, have chosen to prioritize the well-being of their employees by giving them time off during the holidays to recharge and spend quality time with their loved ones.