Definition of early closing

The phrase "early closing" originated in the mid-19th century, specifically in the context of British retail establishments. Prior to this time, many shops and businesses remained open late into the evening, particularly during the holiday season when people often did their Christmas shopping after dark. However, in the 1840s, there was a growing concern about the impact of late-night shopping on workers' health and well-being. Many shopkeepers and business owners felt that they should not force their employees to work long hours, particularly during the late evening and early morning when the streets were dangerous and poorly lit. In response to this concern, some shopkeepers began to close their stores earlier in the evening, often between 6 and 8 pm. This new custom became known as "early closing," and it quickly gained popularity among other businesses as they followed suit to better serve their own workforces and communities. Today, the practice of "early closing" is still commonly found in many industries, particularly in retail and hospitality, where businesses may close earlier on certain days or during certain seasons, such as holidays or winter months, to accommodate their employees' needs and the preferences of their customers.