Hartlepool Mail readers have their say on Boxing Day shopping as punters hit the sales

Have you been shopping at the Boxing Day sales?

At time of writing, more than 650 people voted in our daily Facebook poll, which asked: “Should all shops be closed on Boxing Day?”

Eighty-four per cent of people agreed that they should remain shut, with only 14% voting for them to remain open for shoppers.

According to the Press Association, retail experts Springboard said footfall in the period up to midday on Boxing Day had seen the largest decline since 2010, with a drop of 10.6%.

Shoppers across the country headed out to the sales. Picture: PA.

Here is how you reacted on the Hartlepool Mail Facebook page:

Michelle Mckenna: “Anyone who says no obviously has never worked in retail!” She added: “Should go back to the days shops closed on Sundays and public holidays.”

Jennifer Carroll: “For someone who is out of toilet paper today, I definitely think that some shops should be open for essentials like over the counter medicines, baby products etc but most should be shut.”

Gill Abbott: “From the service I received today in a shop, yes.”

Gordon Lewis: “As much as I love football I even think footballers should be off Boxing Day as well, start the next day.”

Carol Burton: “Without a doubt they should all be shut, there’s no need at all for shops to be open, shopping isn’t a necessity.”

Dave Ryan: “No. What is the point? Back to work as normal in my opinion. You don't see the NHS or emergency services taking a day off and shutting up.”