Retailer Home Bargains has announced all of its stores will be shut for three days over the Christmas period. The move has been widely praised by shoppers.
The store made the announcement this morning (October 5), confirming stores would be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. Furthermore, stores will close at the earlier time of 5pm on Christmas Eve, the Manchester Evening News reports.
The move is to make sure all staff members can spend some time with loved ones over the festive period. A spokesperson 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."
On Facebook, the store posted: "CHRISTMAS ANNOUNCEMENT. We would like to thank all our staff for how hard you have worked this past year, and want you to relax and enjoy the Christmas break with your loved ones. Love from team HB."
The announcement was welcomed by the brand's followers. Yvonne Daisy Hartley commented: "Wow amazing, glad some companies recognise how hard staff work."
Lisa Smith wrote: "More shops should be doing this as staff are entitled to enjoy that time of the year with families too. As a retail worker my hubby and I both get very little time together to even do xmas shopping etc it would be nice for all employers to give their staff some time off to enjoy festive time with family is it really that important for people to return items on boxing day? Most places will take back on 27th too!"
Sara Stagg said: "Well done. Hope other shops do as well!" And Wendy Fletcher added: "All shops should close Christmas day , boxing day and new years day."
