Today in Retail: Fat Face's opening hours experiment

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There are only three days now until the Christmas trading season is over, and then we’re into the Boxing Day and January Sales.

This year there were attempts to force stores to shut on Boxing Day – calls rejected by Parliament – on the grounds that staff deserved a “day of rest”.

Boxing Day Sales are an established feature of the high street and many retailers will feel they have to open because that’s what’s expected by shoppers.

For many, it is a very busy day.

But, in a year in which retail working conditions have frequently been under the microscope and sometimes been found wanting, should retailers be more willing to close the doors the day after Christmas?

Jeweller Beaverbrooks, a regular fixture in the Sunday Times 110 Best Companies to Work For rankings, has never opened on Boxing Day.

Fashion retailer Fat Face has decided to conduct a fascinating experiment.

It will not open some stores on Boxing Day, but store managers are aiming to meet their seasonal targets regardless.

We’ll report back in the New Year about how the pilot plays out.

Also today, we reported on how t he industry is banking on a late Christmas rush and the latest on Lord Kirkham’s new venture, Fabb Sofas – which will definitely be aiming to make the most of Boxing Day.

Quote of the day

“Our business is run on strong family values and closing on Boxing Day is an important part of our ethos, as it allows us to give back to our people who work hard all year round and deserve to spend quality time with their loved ones.”

– Beaverbrooks chairman Mark Adlestone