This is in regards to the upcoming election, particularly the debate over deregulating store hours.
With Sudbury being mostly a mining and retail city, the idea of having stores open 24/7 will be impossible for most small convenience stores in the Sudbury area.
They can’t compete against big box stores. That is why they stay open on most holidays, the only days they actually make money.
For those who never worked in retail, try it for a week. Dealing with irate people is not fun, plus the long hours and low pay just to make ends meet is no picnic either.
If stores do open 24/7, does that mean government offices and banks will do the same too?
What about stores doing maintenance and cleaning, stocking the shelves, and computer service technicians who need to fix or upgrade POS (cash registers)?
They need to power down the system or server in order for the updates to complete without any major issues or problems.
Retail workers are also people that like to spend quality family time just like anybody else. It seems that respect in the general terms has been lost in society.
It’s always the “me” attitude, and forget the other person.
Don’t forget that if stores are able to open 24/7, prices will go up due to wages and utilities. Someone has to pay the hydro and other related expenses. Again, be careful as to what you wish for.
Daniel Loyer
Sudbury