JYSK SENIOR MANAGEMENT ONCE AGAIN DELIVER CHRISTMAS GIFTS PERSONALLY TO EVERY STAFF MEMBER ACROSS 19 UK STORES ON WEEKEND BEFORE CHRISTMAS

ALL JYSK UK STORES CLOSE TOMORROW (DEC 24^TH)

BECAUSE WE WANT OUR STAFF TO HAVE A CHRISTMAS TOO

All JYSK UK stores will close on Christmas Eve for the third year running to give staff the opportunity to spend time with friends and family.

An unusual initiative for retail, the practice was brought in two Christmases ago by country manager, David Ashton.

“As a retailer when our doors are closed we are not making sales - but as an employer we know the value in a motivated team serving our customers. Happy teams make happy customers, and this investment in our colleagues’ Happy Christmas is one we’re happy to make.

“Since 2017 we have always closed for one extra day over the festive period. In that first year we chose New Years’ Day, however we reflected and spoke to some of our teams and established that as a business and employer we would much rather close on Christmas Eve.

“What it means is that all our people have two consecutive days where there is ‘no such thing’ as work and everybody at JYSK has two days off – not something generally found in retail.

“We wanted to say thank you for the hard work our teams do for us throughout the year. Whilst it is a small gesture, we know that they really appreciate it.

“So we’d urge customers to visit us before closing on the 23rd December for those extra dining chairs – because you never know who will be your surprise guest this Christmas!”

WATCH THE VIDEO OF SENIOR MANAGEMENT PERSONALLY DELIVERING CHRISTMAS GIFTS

Natalia Innocente, Store Manager, York: “The store now being closed on Christmas Eve and the reduced Christmas opening hours really does mean a lot. My family live in a different city to where I live and work so this now means I can spend more time with them over the Christmas period.”

Dale Sykes, Deputy Store Manager, Wakefield: "Having the store closed on Christmas Eve shows me I work for a company that does this for you, especially in the retail industry where it’s unheard of"

Darcey Ratcliffe, Sales Assistant, St Helens: "We all get some time with family over the holiday. As much as we all love working we all need time to enjoy Christmas with friends and family. I think most businesses and companies should follow suit so that everyone can enjoy Christmas."

Claire Cox, Store Manager, Rotherham: "As a store manager the lead up to Christmas is a very busy time of year both with work and with my family. JYSK closing all its stores Christmas Eve gives me the opportunity to wind down with my family and get excited for the big day itself! Christmas is family time and I can’t explain how much I love the fact that my employer has given me these two days to spend with my loved ones."

Callum Bacon, Shift Responsible, Mansfield: "It’s amazing that we close on Christmas Eve. It’s such a special time of year and it allows us two whole days to relax"

About JYSK

The international group's annual turnover is €3.58 billion. Growth is stable and controlled, and total staff numbers are around 23,000 working across 2,800 stores in 54 countries. In the UK it has delivered a strong sales performance as some other furniture retailers have found conditions less favourable. Global purchasing power with pricing benefits passed on to customers, a growing appetite for Scandi -style, quality products and high-levels of customer service have all contributed to JYSK’s UK advance.

JYSK has stores in Wakefield, Bradford, St Helen’s, Lincoln, Mansfield, York, Blackburn, Bolton, Swadlincote, Coventry, Pontefract, Grantham, Rotherham, Ellesmere Port, Chesterfield, Cannock, Dewsbury, Doncaster and Derby – and, from Spring 2020, Oldham.

For further information: denise@owlpr.co.uk 0780 118 2252