Keep them closed: Most South Shields shoppers say stores should stay shut on Boxing Day

We asked if all stores should be closed on December 26 as the latest rounds of sales got underway.

More than 2,200 readers had their say at the time of writing, with 83% backing the idea that shops should remain shut, with the remaining 17% calling for the tills to ring once again after Christmas Day.

It comes after companies including Aldi, Lidl and Home Bargains said they would remain closed to give its staff an additional day off.

Among those who back the plan to give retail staff another day’s leave is Lynne Devlin who said: “Definitely, it’s pure greed, plenty of other shopping days for them to make money.”

Caroline Nellis added: “Definitely, wouldn’t hurt to let people have a couple of days with their families and have a rest after the business of Christmas.”

Allison Forster said: “Yes, it’s only one extra day.

“Staff work really hard all year round. Give them a break.”

Lisa McElvogue said: “People buy so much they could manage for one more day to chill and just spend time with your family - let everyone enjoy Christmas.”

David Thompson said: “Yes, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.

“If you need something you've got 362 other days to buy it.”

However, others say people want to get back to normal in the wake of the festivities.

Ben Rochester said: “Plenty of people want to return gifts they love for new sizes, plenty people need to actually eat.

“Plenty of people actually want to work to get money from spending a fortune at Christmas.

“Plenty of people have nothing else to do and love work.

“Plenty of people have the option to find a job that doesn’t work on Boxing Day if they don’t like it.”

Sally Cox said: “I’ve voted no because we always need the same normal things, like milk etc, so the little local paper shop is handy to be open for a few hours to get some basics.

“I have worked in retail and worked Boxing Day before, it was fine.”