What: John Lewis will close all its stores for Christmas.

Why it is important: How do you balance employees’ well being with the need for profit?

John Lewis has announced that it will close all 34 of its stores on both Christmas Day and Boxing Day, joining several other retailers in giving staff time off during the festive period. While John Lewis stores will operate normally from December 27 to New Year's Eve, individual store hours may vary. Its sister brand, Waitrose, will also be closed on these days. Other retailers like Aldi, Home Bargains, Iceland, Lidl, Poundland, and The Range will similarly shut their stores on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, with some extending closures to New Year's Day, as part of an effort to give employees a well-deserved break.

John Lewis to close all 34 locations for two days over Christmas to give staff time off