Canadian Tire is responding to the ongoing concerns surrounding COVID-19 by reducing operating hours and closing some of its retail outlets that are considered "not as essential."
Canadian Tire Corporation announced late Wednesday that it would be temporarily closing Mark's, SportChek, Atmosphere, Party City, Pro Hockey Life, National Sports and PartSource from March 19 until at least April 2, 2020.
Customers can still purchase items online, but the company noted that "as online orders increase, it may take longer than usual to ship your items."
In a release, the company said during the time that those stores are closed, full and part-time employees will still be paid.
Canadian Tire Retail stores will still remain open, but they will have reduced operating hours "to allow for enhanced cleaning and restocking." The company's Gas+ locations will also remain open with regular operating hours.
"As we continue to adapt to the country's fast-changing needs, we want to make sure we are doing everything we can to keep our stores open and support our team," said Greg Hicks, president and CEO, Canadian Tire Corporation. "Closing our retail stores that are not as essential is the right decision, helping to limit the spread of the virus."
Wednesday night's release also said the company would continue to "take precautions for the safety and well-being of employees and customers, such as with the enhanced cleaning of stores, encouraging strong hygiene practices among team members, and making hand sanitizers and wipes available at all workstations and gathering spots."
It also noted that many Canadian Tire Associate Dealers are offering reserved shopping hours or setting aside inventory for pick-up for elderly and more vulnerable customers.