Sunday shopping extension gets mixed reviews

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This article was published 25/04/2012 (5139 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Two local entrepreneurs say the prospect of less restrictive Sunday shopping hours is good news for business — but maybe not for family time.

Last week, the provincial government launched a review of Sunday shopping hours, announcing it would consult with retailers, consumer groups and unions before making any decision.

Manitoba’s current Sunday shopping hours — which allow business to be open from noon to 6 p.m. — are considered among the most restrictive in the country.

Mike Hamm, a co-owner of Home Run Sports in Island Lakes, said the move will good for the business.

“It offers more flexibility,” Hamm said. “What you find is people are so busy during the week, they just don’t have time to do shopping.”

Hamm said that he personally isn’t a fan of Sunday shopping, saying it interferes with work/life balance.

“Traditionally, we were never open on Sundays, because we believe in a day for the family,” he said.

But customer demand eventually prompted Home Run Sports to open on Sundays — though only from 12 to  4 p.m., despite the current provincial rules allowing the retailer to stay open until 6 p.m.

Oai Truong, owner of Bounce Design and president of the Provencher BIZ, agreed that fewer restrictions on Sunday shopping hours is good news for businesses.

“My perspective is businesses should be as flexible as they want to be with their hours, to accommodate their customers,” he said. “It’s a personal decision.”

For example, he said, a bakery might find it frustrating to be able to open for only six hours on Sunday, despite all the prep work involved.

But Truong also said that owners of small businesses are liable to overwork themselves — particularly as many on Provencher live upstairs, above their shops, and may find it tempting to open for a couple extra hours.

“I can understand why that law was in place, to force you to take a break,” he said.

“Sometimes these laws have restrictions, but they have benefits, too.”

Cindy Shack, marketing director of St. Vital Centre, said the mall is pleased Sunday shopping hours could soon be extended.

“It’s what our customers have been asking for,” she said, adding Sunday is the only day some customers have time to shop.

St. Vital Centre also gets many rural customers who make a day trip to the city for shopping, she said. For them, one or two extra hours would be meaningful.

“Everybody’s schedule is different,” Shack said.

arielle.godbout@canstarnews.com