By Brian Schultz
Walmart has extended the hours in many of its Canadian stores during the month of December, including several in Manitoba.
What originally began as a pilot project a few years ago to leave stores open 24/7 during the holiday season has become normal, as consumers demand longer hours and shopping availability at their convenience.
The retail chain opened 193 of its 323 stores nationwide around the clock on Friday, including eight in Manitoba.
Winnipeg Walmart locations on Empress Street, Portage Avenue, McPhillips Street, Kenaston Boulevard, Regent Avenue and St. Mary’s Road will all operate 24 hours a day until closing time on Christmas Eve. The store in Selkirk will also be open around the clock, as well as the Brandon location.
Previously, the Regent Avenue store was used as a trial run to see how shoppers responded to shopping at all hours of the day. It proved to be one of the top-performing locations in the province following that period.
