Home Bargains to close all stores for three days as it issues statement

Home Bargains has confirmed it will once again close for three days over the Christmas period.

The budget retailer has kept its stores closed on Boxing Day and New Year's Day in recent years to give its hard-working staff a break - and this year will be no exception. All stores will be shut on Christmas Day as well, as usual.

In a post to Facebook, Home Bargains said: "Christmas announcement. All of our stores will be closing for Boxing Day & New Year's Day.

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The statement added: "We would like to thank all our colleagues 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."

Home Bargains has closed on Boxing Day for the last five years. Typically, its stores close around 8pm during the week and on Saturdays, while Sunday hours are usually until 4pm.

The discount retailer operates over 600 stores across the UK. The post on Facebook has since received hundreds of comments from staff and shoppers. Michelle White commented: "I loved my job in retail but hated losing special days with my daughter.

"Fab that you as an employer recognise the need for this time. Many more days in the year to shop." Tani Macfarlane said: "Well done, give them all time off and enjoy times with family."

Roseina Eden responded: "Well done Home Bargains for putting your staff first. The two days together will make such a difference to families," Sue Worral wrote: "Well done. Hope other follow your lead."

Another comment agreed: "All shops should close on Boxing Day, to give staff a break." A further reply read: "Well done. All retail should do the same."

It comes after Home Bargains revealed it has installed AI cameras to detect theft at self-checkouts by spotting unscanned items. The bargain retailer is working with tech firm SAI (Storewide Active Intelligence) and Everseen as part of a trial.

The technology is designed to spot and alert staff to “misscans” and ”skip scans” at self-checkouts – so when items that pass the checkout but aren’t included in the basket total.

A report from earlier this year said cameras are being used in four stores as part of a trial. Home Bargains operations director Paul Rowland told The Grocer the retailer found technology more effective than security guards.

The measure is designed to stop shoplifters, following a huge rise in retail crime.