Many independent business owners in Montreal are frustrated that they remain closed while big box retailers who sell competing items are allowed to stay open “So those big box stores are selling items … and we have been told we have to close,” DEBra owner Debbie Donelle said. “Personally, one the things I find really frustrating is that the big box stores are allowed to remain open because they sell a little bit of groceries,” said Donelle.
The Retail Council of Canada is trying to work out a deal with the government to get these businesses much-needed help. “This is why we are negotiating these programs with the government, to help them out with their overhead cost, with their rent, just so they had some support so they can gradually