A MAJOR wine retailer is closing its more than 200 stores for an extra day over the festive period as a thank you to its "incredible" staff.
Majestic is giving all 1,600 colleagues January 2 off on top of Boxing Day and New Year's Day this year.
The retailer will close all 208 of its branches in England, Wales and Scotland over three days this festive period.
It marks the second time in the past three years it has closed all its shops on January 2 to allow employees to spend more time with family and friends during the Christmas break.
John Colley, Majestic's chief executive officer, said: "2023 has been another turbulent year for retail, but our business has continued to move ahead during ongoing economic uncertainty.
"That is something that would not have been possible without the hard work of all our colleagues, and for that the board and our shareholders are very grateful.
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He added: "Rewarding our colleagues with these days off is the right thing to do to allow everyone to make the most of the Christmas break, and come back to work fully refreshed in the New Year."
The latest announcement comes as part of Majestic's ongoing focus on staff health and well-being, recognised by its 'Happiest Place to Work' category win at the Retail Week Awards 2024.
In April this year, all store colleagues were given a pay increase that took their minimum hourly rate to at least £10.60.
In the academic year to the end of July, Majestic also funded wine, spirit and sake qualifications for 550 colleagues, an industry-recognised qualification.
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Majestic is the first retailer to confirm to The Sun it will be closing its doors on January 2.
But a number of others are giving staff time off on Boxing Day and New Year's Day.
Aldi is pulling down the shutters on all its shops on Boxing Day so staff can spend more time with their families.
Communications director for the supermarket Richard Thornton said the chain recognised "Christmas is an important time" for staff.
Meanwhile, Home Bargains is shutting all its store doors on December 26 as well as New Year's Day.
This is on top of being shut on Christmas Day as it is every year.
Plus, Iceland will pull down the shutters on its branches on Boxing Day while Lidl will shut stores on New Year's Day.
Lidl also said most of it shops will remain closed on Boxing Day too.
Discounter chain Poundland will be pulling down the shutters on all of its shops on Boxing Day to give staff a "well-earned break".
It is also closing its branches on New Year's Day.
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Meanwhile, John Lewis & Partners and Waitrose will shut all stores on both Christmas Day and Boxing Day this year.
Marks and Spencer will also close 400 stores on Christmas Day and Boxing Day to give employees some time off.
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