More retailers are now able to stay open for Victoria Day. Monday will make the first May long weekend that malls and stores have the option to remain open across Ontario, after the Ford government passed new legislation earlier this year. While many retailers are taking up the opportunity to keep their hours, others plan to close as usual. Plato’s Closet locations, including on Merivale Road, St. Laurent Bouleveard and Hazeldean Road, plan to close their doors as they have in previous years, says manager Darla Cowls. “It costs us a lot more to stay open on the Monday. It’s like time and a half,” she said. “I think for small businesses, it can be a little bit more challenging because you have to pay people a lot more to stay open.” Cowls also says that this can be one of the Merivale location’s biggest weekends and want the staff to be able to enjoy some time off once the rush is over. “To give our staff just a little bit of a break. They work really hard, so we just want to give them the day off.” Retail analyst Bruce Winder says he feels it’s a good idea to allow stores to remain open. “It gives businesses an extra day to sell products and services and make money,” he said in an interview with CTV News Ottawa. “It’s also good from a consumer perspective because it offers more convenience.” The provincial government says this is about creating more choices for families, while supporting businesses and allowing employees who want to work the chance. “This is the first year that it’s being done. So, a lot of businesses will probably give it a try,” Winder said. “And then they’ll gauge it and decide whether they want to open next year.” Winder notes that since being open is voluntary, shoppers should make sure they know the shops they want to go to will be participating. In previous years, not all retailers have been forced to shut on the holiday Monday. For example, in Ottawa, businesses in the ByWard Market, the Glebe, and Lansdowne have had exceptions. The province says this latest move is about giving all businesses the option, and employees the chance to work if they choose. The opinion of shoppers is mixed. Anna Prikhodko feels it’s the right move, because there are many businesses struggling. “I think that’s amazing because, lately, especially during COVID times and after COVID times, a lot of businesses suffered,” she said. “I think that we really need to boost business.” Tina Begin says it needs to be reconsidered. “I think that it’s financially probably good for the stores. However, everybody deserves a break,” she said. “During this time right now, where everything is in upheaval and people are working two or three jobs, a day off for people is very much warranted.” The legislation will also allow businesses to remain open on Family Day in February. While Plato’s Closet won’t be open on the holiday Monday, Cowls says allowing stores to keep their hours if they wish isn’t a bad idea for businesses. “More power to anyone who wants to do it,” she said.
