National Retailers come out in support of opening all retail

A group of around 50 major retailers are calling on the Ontario government to open all stores across the province. This includes stores impacted in the lockdown regions.

The letter was signed by executives from Hudsons Bay, Canadian Tire, IKEA, Roots and Staples Canada. They argue the lockdowns in Toronto and Peel specifically haven’t reduced the number of people shopping.

They argue it’s forcing more customers into less stores, increasing crowds at stores that are open and into nearby communities.

They suggest putting less customers in more stores increases safety for all. They say current policies do the opposite.