Halfords has revealed its decision to close all of its stores on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day this year. This move is aimed at allowing the company’s staff nationwide to have a well-deserved break and quality time with their families. While Halfords stores will remain shut on Christmas Day, they will operate as usual on all other days during the festive season.
Henry Birch, the CEO of Halfords, emphasized the dedication of their employees throughout the year, often working long hours to ensure the smooth running of operations. Birch stated that recognizing their hard work and providing an opportunity to unwind and reconnect with loved ones is essential.
The closure of stores on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day is seen as a gesture of appreciation towards the staff, allowing them to return refreshed for the upcoming year. This decision comes after Halfords reported increased sales and profits in the past six months, with cycling business sales up by 9% and total revenues rising by 3.3% to £893.3 million. Additionally, like-for-like motoring revenues increased by 1.1%, and autocentres business saw a growth of 4.3%.
Apart from Halfords, other retailers like Home Bargains and Aldi have also chosen to keep their stores closed on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Home Bargains expressed gratitude to its employees for their hard work and encouraged them to enjoy the holiday season with their loved ones. Aldi will be closed on Boxing Day this year as well to allow its team members to relax and celebrate Christmas with their families.
This move by retailers to prioritize the well-being of their staff during the festive season has become a trend, with companies recognizing the importance of work-life balance and showing appreciation for their employees’ efforts.