Big Lots confirms all 1,075 stores will close for entire day forcing shoppers to search elsewhere for last minute items

DISCOUNT giant Big Lots is the latest retailer to confirm it’s closing up shop for Christmas Day.

All 1,075 locations will close in the upcoming retail blackout – and your options for holiday shopping elsewhere are limited.

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Big brands, such as Target, Walmart and Costco are also closing for Christmas, along with popular discount stores Dollar Tree and Dollar General.

With so many brands celebrating the holidays on December 25, shoppers will need to complete their festive shopping in advance of the big day.

While it’s the perfect opportunity for hardworking retail associates to relax and enjoy the holidays with family and friends, it also means customers need to be super organized.

These last couple of weeks before Christmas are the most hectic, as people race to finish their festive décor, homeware, and present purchases.

To make sure you’re not caught out by the upcoming blackout, advance planning is key.

It may be best to aim for your shopping finished by Christmas Eve so you’re not stressing at the last minute.

However, if you do find you’ve forgotten something then there’s still time to get your hands on it as Big Lots is open 9am until 6pm ET on Christmas Eve.

It’s an early closure from the usual 9am to 9pm opening hours but a full nine hours’ potential present-buying time nonetheless.

Christmas Day is the only day of the year the company shuts down and it’s open for business again on December 26.

We also expect the discount giant to be operating regular opening times on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

BIG BANKRUPTCY

Christmas isn’t the only retail blackout for Big Lots.

The company filed for bankruptcy back in September, announcing hundreds of store closures across the country.

This was followed by news of another 56 store closures in October and another 19 locations last month.

In total, 545 stores are expected to close down for good.

CLOSING FOR CHRISTMAS

Of course, Big Lots is not isn’t the only retailer shutting down for the holidays.

Many other major retailers are also closing their doors, enabling their employees to fully celebrate this special day.

For example, Walmart, Target, Macy’s, The Home Depot, and Kohl’s will also be closed on Christmas Day.

Grocery brands Trader Joe’s, Aldi, Publix and Wegman’s will be closed for the big day, but if you do forget an essential ingredient for Christmas dinner all is not lost.

Bravo Supermarkets, Safeway, 7-Eleven and Walgreens are among those food stores staying open for urgent and last-minute purchases.

Operating times may vary depending on location and company, so check with your local store before setting out on any Christmas Day shopping trips.

For those intending to skip dinner at home and head out for their festive feast, several restaurants and fast casual places are staying open on the big day.

Some include Benihana, Denny’s, Hooters, Dunkin’, Starbucks and McDonald’s.

Again, check on local opening hours to ensure you don’t have a wasted trip.

If you are in the market for last-minute gifts and stocking stuffers then check out these bargain buys.

Or if you’ve still to decorate your home for the holidays, take a look at these winter wonderland Christmas trees from Walmart.