Marks & Spencer (M&S), a beloved fixture on the UK high street, has experienced a resurgence in recent years, transforming itself into a trendy and sought-after destination. This positive trajectory is reflected in its ranking as the second-favorite supermarket in the UK, according to a 2024 YouGov poll, trailing only Aldi. The retailer’s success is attributed to a variety of factors, including its well-stocked food halls offering diverse options, such as the popular Plant Kitchen range catering to vegan consumers. As a testament to its commitment to employee well-being, M&S has decided to close its stores on New Year’s Day 2025, providing staff with a much-needed break during the busy holiday season. However, recognizing the needs of its customers, some branches will operate extended hours on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, closing at 7 pm. This variation emphasizes the importance of checking local store hours for accurate information before venturing out.
M&S has become synonymous with Christmas in the UK, a reputation solidified by its memorable holiday advertising campaigns and extensive festive food offerings. The 2024 Christmas advert featured the celebrated comedian Dawn French in a dual role, interacting with a Christmas fairy, also portrayed by French, who magically decorates her home for the festive season. This continues a tradition of featuring prominent personalities in their holiday campaigns, including figures like Tom Daley, Twiggy, and Sienna Miller. This connection to popular culture, combined with its extensive selection of Christmas-themed food and gifts, has cemented M&S’s position as a key player in the UK’s festive celebrations.
In a move reflecting broader trends in retail, M&S isn’t the only retailer adjusting its operating hours during the holiday period. While M&S and Aldi are closing entirely on New Year’s Day to prioritize staff well-being, other major supermarkets, including Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Asda, Co-op, and Waitrose, are adopting reduced hours. This trend extends beyond grocery stores, with DIY giant B&Q opting for reduced hours on New Year’s Day, while other high street names like Home Bargains will remain closed. This underscores the importance for shoppers to proactively verify store hours to avoid inconvenience and ensure a smooth start to the new year.
The decision by several retailers to close or reduce operating hours on New Year’s Day coincides with it being a designated bank holiday in the UK. The 2025 bank holiday calendar offers a range of public holidays across the different regions of the UK. England and Wales share eight bank holidays, including New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Early May bank holiday, Spring bank holiday, Summer bank holiday, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. Scotland enjoys nine bank holidays, with the addition of the 2nd of January and St. Andrew’s Day. Northern Ireland observes ten bank holidays, incorporating St. Patrick’s Day, a substitute day for the Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day), and a substitute day for St. Andrew’s Day.
The variations in bank holidays reflect the unique cultural and historical significance of these dates in different parts of the UK. These holidays provide opportunities for individuals and families to spend time together, celebrate traditions, and enjoy extended breaks from work. For retailers, these holidays present both challenges and opportunities, requiring careful planning to balance staff needs with customer demand. The trend towards prioritizing employee well-being, as demonstrated by M&S and other retailers, suggests a shift towards a more balanced approach to holiday operations.
The retail landscape in the UK is undergoing significant changes, influenced by factors such as evolving consumer preferences, the rise of online shopping, and a growing emphasis on employee well-being. M&S’s recent success demonstrates the effectiveness of adapting to these changes by focusing on quality, diversity, and customer experience. The decision by several retailers to close or reduce hours on New Year’s Day, aligning with the national bank holiday, reflects a broader trend in prioritizing staff welfare. This move, while potentially impacting short-term sales, can contribute to long-term benefits such as improved staff morale, reduced burnout, and increased employee retention. As consumers become increasingly conscious of ethical considerations, including fair labor practices, prioritizing staff well-being can also enhance a retailer’s brand image and foster stronger customer loyalty. The coming years will likely see further evolution in retail operating models as businesses adapt to changing societal values and prioritize both customer satisfaction and employee well-being.
