Central England Co-op to close majority of stores on Boxing Day as reward for staff

Central England Co-op is to close the majority of its 244 food stores on Boxing Day as a thank you to staff.

The retailer said it hoped that giving colleagues a longer break from work would allow them extra time to spend with family and friends at Christmas.

Six 24-hour petrol stations will remain open to continue serving communities and enable customers and members to move across the festive period, it said. 

The convenience retailer joins the likes of Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and M&S in shutting stores on 26 December in recognition of staff efforts over the past 18 months.

“We want to create a sustainable society for all and that starts with our colleagues, who have worked tirelessly in these extraordinary times to sustain the wellbeing and safety of our members, customers and communities,” said Central England Co-op CEO Debbie Robinson.

“Christmas is a really special time for so many and perhaps even more so this year after we missed out on celebrating the season in the way we wanted last year due to lockdown restrictions.

“In recognition of this and in appreciation of everything our retail colleagues have done during the uncertain times of the last 18 months, we will be closing the vast majority of our food stores on Boxing Day.

“This will allow our colleagues to have a weekend of festive fun with their families and friends and to have a well-deserved break. I want to thank our customers and members in advance for their understanding.”