More stores announce plans to open Boxing Day

More major retailers are announcing plans to open on Boxing Day and extend their operating hours, as word spreads that shopping has been deregulated in Greater Sudbury.

A spokesperson for Walmart Canada – which has a location in New Sudbury and in the South End – confirmed Thursday the store will open Boxing Day.

“Both Sudbury stores will be open for the first time on Boxing Day from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.,” Michael Theriault, district manager for both stores, said in an email Thursday. “And on Sundays, instead of 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., we will open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.”

However, he was consulting staff at both locations before deciding whether to open this Sunday, Dec. 13.

“We don't want to disrupt plans associates have already made and will confirm open hours for this Sunday on Walmart.ca later today once we check the availability of associates.”
Costco spokesperson Ron Damiani also confirmed its local store will be open Dec. 26, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sears says both its department and home furnishings store will open, as well.

“Your timing is good,” said Alicia Richler, the store's director of corporate affairs and communications. “Sears announced today that indeed we will be open in Sudbury on Boxing Day. Our department store is open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and I am just waiting on confirmation of the exact store hours for the Home store.”

Sudbury's Lowes store confirmed late Thursday it will also open. Future Shop announced Wednesday it will open at 6 a.m. Boxing Day, and the Real Canadian Superstore announced its plans to not only open Dec. 26, but to operate 24-hours a day beginning Friday and ending Christmas Eve. The store will be open until 11 p.m. each day after the holidays.

City council voted Tuesday to immediately repeal three bylaws that restricted when stores could be open in Greater Sudbury. One bylaw prevented stores from opening Boxing Day; another on the Civic Holiday in August; and the third set out rules for when stores could open and close on all other days.

The decision followed an October referendum in which a majority of residents supported getting rid of the rules, although turnout fell just short of making the plebiscite binding.