As parts of the country step up restrictions to combat rising COVID-19 cases, some observers say a retail phenomenon is emerging: Lockdown loopholes.
Yet some business advocates say the retailers that have benefited most tend to be bigger stores with more products from which to be deemed essential.Dan Kelly, president of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, said the outcome is that some stores can remain open while similar retailers are forced to close.
"The independent flower shop is fully closed but you can buy fresh flowers at the grocery store," he added. In other words, if a retailer sells goods that fall into one of those categories, it can continue to operate, whereas if it sells only books or flowers, for example, it would have to close. "It's a misconception," Brisebois said. "Those who are not considered essential include small, medium and large businesses."
She said the lack of clear, harmonized rules -- even within the same province, in some cases -- is leaving shoppers unsure about what's open or closed.
Just figuring that out now?
Does the limit in door apply to big box stores?
We knew this already, and that’s why we don’t appreciate a lockdown, the writing is on the wall, big business will survive while small businesses won’t.
When government enacts legislation is picking the winners and losers. The little guy is usually the loser.
True
Doesn't this apply to everything?
no shit eh? smh
The virus doesn't spread in Costco and Walmart. It's science.
Duhhhhhh.
Dah no kidding