John Lewis is taking Boxing Day off

With stores opening as early as 7.00 this morning (we’re looking at you, Debenhams), it is somehow refreshing that John Lewis has decided to celebrate Boxing Day in the traditional sense.

The retailers six London area stores remain closed, allowing for its employees – or partners in John Lewis-speak – to have the day off.

The John Lewis website remains open for business, with a clearance sale promising discounts of up to 50% off.

As for the other major retailers, Marks & Spencer’s Marble Arch flagship opens at 8.00 and Westfield London in Shepherd’s Bush kicks off at 9.00. Debenhams, as we mentioned earlier, is opening most locations at 7.00 and House of Fraser on Oxford Street opens its doors at 8.00.

For some good, American style craziness, head to Next, who open at an eye-watering 6.00 this morning.

Apple on Regent Street is having a slight lie in, welcoming the masses at 10.00.

One thing to keep in mind: that pesky Tube strike that is making chaos out of the Underground on this most hallowed of days for shoppers.