Sears Open Its Doors On Holiday Monday
Posted May 19, 2008 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
A charity event or a violation of provincial law? That’s the question facing Sears outlets that opened their doors to customers on Victoria Day.
The province claims it’s against the Retail Business Holiday Act to remain open on a statutory holiday, unless the store is in a tourist attraction such as the Eaton Centre.
However, an Etobicoke location was available to customers who had a special invitation. You couldn’t get in without one, but an undercover CityNews employee got an invite from another shopper exiting the store.
Those who made it inside reported only positive experiences.
“It was great because I felt like a V.I.P. No crowds. No screaming babies,” laughed Anne Zawadski.
Camilla Chin took the opportunity to buy some goods for her family.
“I bought all kinds of stuff. Pyjamas for my kid,” she described.
“Doesn’t bother me whether they’re open or not,” Doug Winkley says.
“They’re open on Sunday,” Winkley points out.
The possible punishment? Sears stores could face fines up to $50,000, but the public has to complain, and police have to enforce the act.
You can check out what’s legally open and closed here.
