A significant shift is reshaping the traditional post-Christmas shopping frenzy, as a growing number of major UK retailers have chosen to keep their physical stores closed on Boxing Day, December 26, 2025. This move, prioritising employee welfare, is leaving many high streets across the country unusually quiet and described by some shoppers as "eerie."
Major Brands Prioritise Staff Over Sales
The list of retailers remaining shut on December 26, 2025, includes some of the biggest names on the British high street. Leading supermarkets Aldi, Lidl, and Waitrose have all confirmed their closure. They are joined by department store giants John Lewis and Marks & Spencer, marking a decisive move away from the relentless "sale-at-all-costs" approach that once defined the festive period.
Companies are framing this decision as a direct thank-you to frontline staff who endure the intense Christmas rush. By closing on Boxing Day, firms are granting employees a full two-day break with family, which they argue is crucial for morale and mental health recovery after the peak shopping weeks of November and December.
'Ghost Town' Atmosphere on Traditionally Busy Streets
The impact of these widespread closures is visibly transforming town and city centres. Shoppers in major hubs like Birmingham and London have reported a "ghost town" atmosphere in areas that would typically be packed with early-morning bargain hunters from 6am.
Social media has been filled with images of deserted streets and locked shopfronts in retail centres such as the Bullring and Oxford Street. Many users have described the unusual silence and lack of activity as "unsettling" or "eerie," highlighting a stark contrast to the Boxing Days of years past.
A Divided High Street and the Push for Permanent Change
Not all retailers have joined the closure trend. Other major chains, including Next and JD Sports, are sticking with tradition and opening their doors early on December 26, 2025. This has created a divided high street experience, with some areas remaining bustling while others stand completely silent, reflecting differing corporate philosophies on holiday work-life balance.
Despite the physical store closures, most of these retailers are still running major sales events online. This "online-first" strategy allows companies to capture seasonal revenue while honouring their commitment to give store-based staff the day off.
As the trend gains momentum, there are increasing calls from trade unions and some MPs for the government to consider making the closure of large retail stores on Boxing Day a permanent legal requirement. For now, the choice remains with individual businesses, but the quiet across many UK high streets this year suggests a growing consensus on valuing people over traditional sales targets.
