Marks & Spencer reverses decision to open stores on Boxing Day
Marks & Spencer has reversed its decision to open its stores on Boxing Day this year.
In a statement, the retailer said it will be closing all of its UK owned stores, customer contact centre and Castle Donington distribution centre on the day to enable as many staff members as possible to “spend time with family and friends“.
M&S has also announced that its new Sparks Book & Shop service will help customers shop safely this Christmas by offering them the opportunity to reserve a shopping slot at a time that suits them. In addition, it has accelerated the rollout of its check-out free Mobile Pay Go to all UK stores.
It will also be keeping around 400 of its owned stores open until midnight from 21 to 23 December. This compares to just 15 stores operating until midnight last year.
Steve Rowe, chief executive of M&S, said: “2020 has been a uniquely challenging year for everyone and this Christmas, the celebrations we have, will be more precious than ever. That’s why in the run up to Christmas we are opening longer hours and have accelerated the launch of new digital services such as Sparks Book & Shop to help our customers prepare, but it’s also why we have taken the decision to close our operations on Boxing Day, so that our colleagues can enjoy more special time with their loved ones. “
