A MAJOR high street bargain shop with 215 locations is set to close all stores for two days over Christmas this year.
The Range will be pulling down the shutters on all of its shops to give staff a well-deserved break.
Not only that but the five soon-to-be-opened Wilko shops, also owned by The Range, are shutting up shop too.
The rescued chain has opened two shops so far, with three more planned by Christmas.
Both retailers will close on December 26, a day which tends to be pretty busy for shoppers.
This is on top of being shut on Christmas Day as usual.
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The Sun has asked if both of the chains will also be shutting on New Year’s Day and will update this story when we hear back.
CDS Stores, which trades as Wilko and The Range, said the move is designed to enable its colleagues to “enjoy time with friends and family”.
It also said that many stores are opening for extended hours over the break to help people get Christmas sorted in the run-up to the big day.
Shoppers can check with their local store for details.
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Chief executive officer of CDS Superstores, Alex Simpkin said: “It’s been an incredible year and I can’t thank all our hard-working team members enough.
“We believe everyone deserves a well-earned break over the festive season, so we’ve taken the decision to close for the two-day break, no exceptions.”
He added that the business has “another exciting year ahead”, with plans to “strengthen” The Range brand and continue its roll-out of Wilko stores across the UK.
“We want to make sure everyone gets a chance to enjoy time with friends and family,” Mr Simpkin said.
It’s the first time in two years that The Range has closed on Boxing Day, as it usually gives shoppers the chance to browse its end of season sales.
Wilko was also open last year on Boxing Day.
Almost all stores across the UK shut on Christmas Day, but there are also a handful of retailers that won’t open on Boxing Day either.
Most of us will slowly return to usual working hours over the following week, and so will UK shops and supermarkets.
But then the New Year hits and shops will likely change their hours again.
This means customers will need to plan their shopping trips carefully from Boxing Day to New Year’s Day.
Budget supermarkets Aldi, Iceland and Lidl have already confirmed they will be shutting.
As well as the big-name high street discounters Home Bargains and Poundland.
Marks and Spencer is also closing all 400 stores for two days at Christmas to give its staff a well-earned break.
Last year though dozens of chains across the country made the decicison to adjust their opening hours to give their workers a well-earned break.
We’ll keep you updated on the major chains’ plans for this year as they’re announced.
Opening hours can vary from branch to branch, so as we get closer to Christmas make sure to check your local store times before you make the trip.
Most big retailers will have their opening times listed on their websites nearer the time.
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Meanwhile, here is the full list of shops closing all stores for at least one day over Christmas.
Plus, Christmas dinners could be in jeopardy this year due to a shortage of festive staples.
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