Do shops really need to open on Boxing Day?

You are correct Shandi if the shops closed, then all business would go to online stores.Independent shops in particular need shoppers on the Hight St and Boxing Day is big business for them. I rarely go to the Sales, but know lots of people who enjoy this day.We cannot force others to do what we ourselves don't like.

I never go shopping on Boxing Day. I don't think giving shop workers an extra day off is going to cause shops to go out of business.

we never had several days off at Xmas due to OH's job - but we all understood that was partof the job in the health service and essential - no-one needs to shop 364 days a year

I think shops should close on Boxing Day. We don't need to shop then and shop staff should get a chance to spend more time with their families.

Food retail can give staff little choice, especially at management level. Once again one family member will be in his store until at least 8pm on Christmas Eve and be required to be back again by 7 am on Boxing Day as changes need to be in place before opening. There's also the risk of a call out on Christmas Day if a fridge or freezer malfunctions or there is an attempt at a break in. All have happened more than once. Christmas itself follows on from extended opening hours with no increase in staff to cover. Does he like Christmas? What do you think? Hopefully not all food retailers operate in the same way.

I confess I have shopped on Boxing Day in my younger days. With grown up children and no visitors Boxing Day was borig. Now I'm more than happy to just vegitate.
I also think retail workers deserve the day off. I know lots of people have to work over Christmas. Shop assistants don't !

shandi- honestly ! Do people really have to shop 24/7/365!

Only in the USA ... and the UK...

I love Boxing Day. All the hard work is over. The guests are still here and there's time to enjoy them. Turkey sandwiches. Play board games. Just relax. I never ever go shopping on Boxing Day. I'm all shopped out by then.

And not everyone has a family - or at least, not one they want to spend time with! Some people actually volunteer to work the late shift on Christmas Eve, and on Boxing day.

It's all very well to say that we don't need the shops on Boxing Day, but the shops need us. All that will happen if this closure is forced on shops is that everyone will spend their money in on-line shops and sales, another nail in the coffin for town shops and stores.

No, they do not - give families time to spend together at Christmas- I'd go one further and add Xmas Eve as a day off too.