Next shoppers say 'well done' after major update issued on Boxing Day sale

Next has been praised by shoppers after it kept stores closed once again on Boxing Day.

The fashion and homeware retailer is famous for its Boxing Day sale - but since 2021, shoppers have had to either shop for discounts online from Christmas Eve, or wait until December 27 to browse in-person. This is because Next now always gives its staff the day off on December 26, so they can spend more time with their families over Christmas.

One shopper said on X: "Well done to @marksandspencer and @nextofficial for giving their staff Boxing Day off. Let's hope other stores follow their lead.” Next also offered extra early access to its Boxing Day sales from December 22, for a selection of its "VIP” customers which were sent invitations by email and text on December 18.

To have secured an early bird VIP sale slot, you must have had a Next Credit Account with at least £250 credit available at the time of VIP sale, or have a Next Unlimited plan which gives you 12 months of free deliveries for £22.50.

If you want to shop the Next Boxing Day sale in person, stores will reopen tomorrow (December 27) at 6am. Next has more than 450 stores across the UK. Marks and Spencer has also confirmed its shops won't open on Boxing Day - like Next, its stores will reopen on December 27.

In a statement, M&S said: "Our stores, support centres and distribution centres will be closed on Boxing Day so colleagues can spend more time with loved ones, but the majority of stores will reopen on the 27 December for our seasonal Sale.”

John Lewis stores is also closing most of its stores on Boxing Day. The only branches which will be open for business are John Lewis Stratford, which will open between 10am and 5pm, and John Lewis Manchester Trafford Centre, which will be open between 10am and 8pm. Aldi also announced its stores will be closed on Boxing Day, along with Home Bargains and Iceland.

A spokesperson for Home Bargains said: "We know how hard all our colleagues have worked throughout the year. Being a family-run business, we recognise the importance of spending quality time with our loved ones. Therefore, we feel it is only right to support our valued store teams by giving them extended time off around Christmas and New Year."

The Range stores will also be closing on Boxing Day to give their "hard-working team members a well-earned break over the festive season", as will DIY chain Wickes. This is the first year that all Wickes employees will benefit from the three-day closure with workers also having had an additional day of paid leave on Christmas Eve.