Marshalls confirms it will close down all 1,200 stores for entire day

THERE’S less than a week to go until Christmas and Marshalls is the latest retailer to announce it’s closing for 24 hours. All of its 1,200 stores will shut as part of the festive retail blackout – and you won’t be able to head to Macy’s for last-minute gifts either. The department stores are just two of many retailers closing for the holiday , along with Costco , Target , Walmart and Dollar Tree .

It gives hard-working employees an opportunity to relax with their families and enjoy the festivities with everybody else. For anybody still with shopping to do however it could bring problems. The answer is to make sure all gifts are bought and wrapped by Christmas Eve, and while this is easier said than done, there is some leeway for last-minute purchases.

Read more on Christmas Most Marshalls locations are open from 7am until 10pm; in some states they’re open until 11pm and that’s seven days a week, giving consumers up to 15-plus hours each day to finish their festive shopping. Early closure on Christmas Eve is likely – last year they closed around 6pm – so checking with your local store before setting out could save you a wasted trip. SHUT FOR THE HOLIDAYS Marshalls isn’t the only retailer closing for Christmas Day.

Many others are shutting their doors to celebrate the holidays. Most read in Money They include Kohl’s, Target, Big Lots, JCPenney, Walmart and Costco, which are all closing for 24 hours to give employees much-needed time off. Grocery stores also closing on the big day include Aldi , Trader Joe’s , Wegman’s, Winn-Dixie and Sam’s Club .

SO WHAT STORES ARE OPEN? All is not lost if you suddenly find yourself missing a vital dinner ingredient or a guest turns up unexpectedly and you’re short of a gift. There are some stores open on Christmas Day, though they may be working to shorter hours. Giant, 7-Eleven, Walgreens , Circle K and Bravo Supermarkets will all be open to shoppers, as will selected Safeway locations.

For those intending to eat out, rather than spend the day cooking at home, then restaurants open for festive dining include Smith & Wollensky, Hooters , Benihana and Denny’s . They can also pick up their favorite burgers at McDonald’s , pizza at Domino’s and a restorative coffee (after all that frantic present buying) at Starbucks , as they’re also not closing for Christmas. Albertsons Aldi Big Lots Burlington Costco Dollar General Family Dollar/Dollar Tree JCPenney Kohl's Kroger Lowe's Macy's Michaels Publix Rite Aid Sam’s Club ShopRite Stop & Shop Trader Joe's The Home Depot Target Walmart Wegman's Whole Foods Winn-Dixie Again, make sure to check local opening times.

For consumers short on inspiration for gifts and stocking stuffers , Dollar Tree has great ideas for just £1.25 each. They include body creams, beauty accessories, kids’ Christmas coloring books and festive socks.

Read More on The US Sun Meanwhile, shoppers at Trader Joe’s are raving about the return of a favorite snack this Christmas. The Hot Cocoa Polar Bear is filled with marshmallows and chocolate drops – and it makes a great gift for anyone with a sweet tooth..