High street jewelry chain Beaverbrooks will be shutting down all of its 83 stores on Boxing Day, providing its employees with an additional week of pay. This move, which has become a yearly tradition for the retailer, is a way to express gratitude to the staff for their hard work throughout the year. In addition to this gesture, Beaverbrooks has also recruited 50 seasonal workers for various roles in its head office and selected stores this holiday season.
Established in 1919 by the Adlestone brothers Isaac, Harry, and Maurice, Beaverbrooks opened its first store in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Managing Director Anna Blackburn emphasized the importance of family values within the business, stating that offering employees time off to relax and spend time with loved ones after the busy holiday season is a priority.
Blackburn further highlighted that prioritizing the well-being of employees is fundamental to building a dedicated workforce that can deliver exceptional customer service. She expressed hope that other businesses would follow suit in prioritizing their employees’ welfare. The recruitment of seasonal staff is expected to bolster the team in providing customers with exceptional service during the peak holiday period.
Beaverbrooks is not alone in its decision to close on Boxing Day. Home Bargains has announced its closure for three days over the Christmas period, maintaining the tradition of giving its hardworking employees a well-deserved break. The budget retailer will keep its stores closed on Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, and Christmas Day, allowing staff to enjoy the holiday season.
Similarly, M&S opted to close its stores on Boxing Day in 2020 as a gesture of appreciation to its staff for their dedication during the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic. Aldi has also confirmed the closure of all its stores on Boxing Day, with plans to reopen on December 27 following the Christmas break. The stores will remain closed on New Year’s Day and reopen on January 1, 2026, with varying opening hours leading up to Christmas.