Home Bargains has announced that it will be closing all of its stores across the UK on Boxing Day to give staff time to “recover”.
2021 has been yet another unprecedented year for the retail industry, and one that may have left many workers feeling like they could do with a little extra off, and so, discounter retailer has confirmed that it will close on both Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
The retailer said it wants to give workers more time to spend with their family and friends over Christmas and the festive season this year.
On top of that, the retailer will be shutting shops at the earlier time of 5pm on Christmas Eve.
“We recognise how incredibly hard all of our colleagues have worked over the last year, to continue to serve the local communities that rely on them so much,” a spokesperson for Home Bargains explained of the decision to close.
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“In light of this, we felt it was only right to reward store teams by taking the decision to close all of our stores on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
“And also close stores early at 5pm on Christmas Eve.”
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Explaining a little more about the decision, Home Bargains said: “As a family-run business, we know the importance of being together at Christmas with those we care about most, now more than ever.
“This is our way of saying thank you to all of our colleagues for their continued hard work and dedication.”
The decision taken by Home Bargains to close all stores on the two Bank Holidays this year has been met with a lot of praise by customers online.
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The retailer’s posts on social media have racked up tens of thousands of interactions.
This isn’t the first time Home Bargains has kept its doors shut on Boxing Day though, after it made the same decision to give its hardworking staff the day off in 2019 and 2020 too – but it’s perhaps most needed this year for a break from the hectic working environments and schedules brought on by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Home Bargains has more than 500 stores, and employs over than 22,000 staff in the UK.
Lovely last-minute Mother’s Day ideas from Selfridges in Manchester
The Manc
Mother’s Day is this Sunday – and if those words have just sent you into a blind panic, just take a breath and head straight across to Selfridges.
The huge department store has come up with all sorts of things that make for perfect last-minute gifts and experiences.
That includes a carefully curated selection of gifts available in-store, plus a very special Morning With Mum beauty workshop so you can spend some quality time together on Mother’s Day.
Selfridges can be your one-stop shop for the big day.
In both Exchange Square and Trafford Centre stores, you can pick up lovely gifts like feast-filled hampers, fabulous accessories, luxury chocolates, candles, and even cards.
As always, there are gifts you can have personalised in-store for a sentimental present for the mother figure in your life.
If you’re really stuck, you can pop along to the Beauty Concierge and book her an experience.
And over in Selfridges Exchange Square, you can pick up a beautiful fresh bouquet from The Royal Exchange Florists.
Selfridges has loads of last-minute Mother’s Day ideas
There’s rarely a gift more precious than quality time together, which is why Selfridges will be hosting a special Mother’s Day floor-wide beauty event on Saturday 14 March.
Ticket-holders will receive expert beauty advice from your favourite brands, while enjoying complimentary drinks and sweet treats.
There’ll also be plus exclusive gifts with purchase available, and giveaways on the day, and you can redeem the £20 ticket price against products purchased on the day.
You can even grab an artist print for mum at the vending machine.
Tickets for the Morning With Mum beauty workshop are on sale HERE.
You could also share a moment over a glass of champagne at San Carlo in both locations, or grab a sweet treat from the bakery in the Trafford Centre store.
Søstrene Grene announces official opening date for new Manchester Arndale store
Emily Sergeant
Søstrene Grene has now confirmed the official opening date for its brand-new store inside Manchester Arndale.
In case you missed it, the beloved Scandinavian lifestyle and home decor retailer announced back in September that Manchester Arndale was the latest location to get the ‘Grene’ light for a new 4,952 sq ft store – with the shopping centre saying it was ‘delighted’ by the addition.
Known for its contemporary – yet surprisingly affordable – home decor, furniture, and stylish lifestyle products, stepping foot inside a Søstrene Grene is store is arguably unlike any other experience on the high street, thanks to its unique layout and winding aisles making it feel like you’re discovering something new around every corner.
The retailer offers a wide assortment of homeware, kitchen items, craft supplies, soft furnishings, toys, gift ideas, seasonal décor, and everything in between.
Søstrene Grene has just announced the official opening date for its new Manchester Arndale store / Credit: Supplied
The new Søstrene Grene store follows a recent flurry of other openings and announcements at Manchester Arndale, including Sephora, Alo Yoga, PureSeoul, Represent, and more, and also comes after the lifestyle brand announced that it would be opening a new store in Stockport.
And now, it’s been confirmed that the Arndale store will officially open its doors later this month on Thursday 26 March.
“Manchester has always had a special atmosphere and opening a second store here is a reflection of the city’s creativity and enthusiasm for design,” commented Mikkel Grene, who is the Group CEO and co-owner of Søstrene Grene, as the opening date was announced.
“Each new store allows us to bring more of our Scandinavian-inspired vision to communities across the UK, offering spaces that are calm, thoughtful and full of inspiration.
“This launch is another exciting step in our UK journey and we’re proud to continue sharing what makes Søstrene Grene unique.”
Emily Sergeant -
21st December 2021 
