An almost deserted shopping mall is shown in the Montreal borough of Pointe-Claire, Saturday, March 14, 2020, as COVID-19 cases rise in Canada and around the world. More retailers are closing their doors or shifting to take-out orders only as concerns around the novel coronavirus outbreak increase. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes
March 18, 2020 - 11:32 AM
Retailers choosing to remain open amid the novel coronavirus outbreak are facing pressure from the public and their employees to join a slew of companies that have shuttered their doors in an effort to help flatten the curve.
TJX Companies Inc., which owns more nearly 500 stores across its Winners, HomeSense and Marshall brands, faced calls on its Winners Instagram page to close stores.
The company, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment, has reduced store hours at its Canadian stores to 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., according to its website.
Canadian Tire Corp., which owns a number of brands including Canadian Tire, SportChek and Mark's, faced similar suggestions on its Instagram page.
The company, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment, says in an open letter from its CEO that it has reduced store hours at some banners.
The letter says the company plans to maintain its set schedule at Canadian Tire stores so customers can continue to buy essentials.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 18, 2020.
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News from © The Canadian Press, 2020