West Edmonton Mall has decided to open for business at noon on Friday, November 11 – following the annual Remembrance Day ceremony – after it received backlash from mall employees and patrons.
Initially, the mall had set stores to open at 10 a.m. Friday, marking the first time the mall opened before noon on Remembrance Day.
That decision sparked complaints from employees that people at the mall would be shopping instead of paying their respects during the annual Remembrance Day ceremonies held at the Ice Palace.
Potential patrons turned to social media to share their thoughts on the decision.
@Official_WEM Such a disgrace that management is forcing stores to remain open! #boycottWEM #LestWeForget #disgusting
— Rhoda Andrews (@MrsRAndrews) November 8, 2016
Sad that @Official_WEM wants to get a "jump on other malls" and open as usual on Nov 11. Noon open is reasonable. #RemembranceDay #yeg
— Ben Officer (@benofficer) November 8, 2016
On Tuesday morning, officials at the mall said they had reconsidered the decision, and reversed it.
At 10 a.m. on Friday, Jasper Place Branch #255 of the Royal Canadian Legion will hold its annual service at the Ice Palace – with a moment of silence at 11 a.m.
