To the decision makers of large retail chains, convenience stores, and local government officials: We urge you to take action and prioritize the well-being of retail workers by closing stores on Boxing Day. These employees work incredibly hard throughout the year, often sacrificing their own time during bank holidays, weekends, and late nights. In fact, most stores only close on Christmas Day, leaving staff with little time to recharge or spend with their families.

It’s time to make a change. By closing on Boxing Day, you can show that retail workers deserve the same care and consideration as any other profession. Let’s give them the break they’ve earned and ensure they get to enjoy the holidays with their loved ones. Let’s look after those who help keep the economy running year-round.

Boxing Day has become synonymous with post-holiday sales and frantic shopping. But what we often overlook is the price retail workers pay for this. After the rush of the Christmas season, retail employees are expected to return to work, leaving little time to rest and enjoy precious moments with their families. It’s time to make a change.

This petition calls for retail businesses, including convenience stores, to close on Boxing Day, allowing staff the opportunity to truly unwind and spend meaningful time with their loved ones. Here’s why this is so important:

1. The Christmas Rush is Exhausting

The lead-up to Christmas is one of the busiest and most stressful times of the year for retail workers. They work long hours to meet demand, often sacrificing personal time to make the holiday season smooth for shoppers. By the time Christmas Day arrives, many are physically and mentally drained. Boxing Day sales force them back to work almost immediately, with little chance to rest or enjoy the holiday spirit.

2. Family Time is Priceless

Christmas is a time for togetherness, but many retail employees barely get to see their families after working through December. For those with young children, elderly parents, or partners who also work long hours, Boxing Day should be an opportunity to catch up, relax, and make memories. Forcing people back to work so soon after Christmas denies them this much-needed time with loved ones.

3. A Trend Towards Compassionate Business Practices

More and more businesses are recognizing the importance of employee well-being and are taking steps to create a healthier work-life balance. Closing on Boxing Day would show that retail businesses value their workers not just as employees but as people with families and lives outside of work. Some major retailers have already adopted this practice, and it’s time for others to follow suit.

4. Minimal Impact on Consumers

In today’s world of online shopping, consumers have plenty of opportunities to shop without needing physical stores to open on Boxing Day. People can plan ahead for essentials, and with technology allowing for 24/7 online sales, there’s no reason why we can’t give retail employees a well-deserved break. Convenience stores, which stay open even on major holidays, can close for just one day without significant disruption.

5. Strengthening Community Values

Encouraging retail closures on Boxing Day can send a powerful message: that we value family, rest, and community over relentless consumerism. It’s a chance to reflect on what’s truly important and to promote the idea that everyone deserves time to celebrate with their loved ones.

Let’s prioritize people over profits and call on retail businesses to give their employees the gift of time this holiday season. Sign this petition and help make Boxing Day a true day of rest for retail workers across the country.