Montreal Businesses Adapt to Changes in Customer Traffic During Canadiens Playoff Games

Businesses in Montreal are experiencing changes in their evening routines and customer traffic during the Montreal Canadiens playoff games. Some businesses are noticing busier grocery stores, while others are experiencing quieter streets. The flagship location of St-Viateur Bagel in Mile End has observed a decrease in customers and quieter streets during playoff games. Despite the calmer evenings, businesses like St-Viateur Bagel are proud of the Canadiens' playoff run.
Bars and restaurants near the Bell Centre, the Canadiens' home arena, are filled with fans dressed in team colors during game nights. However, businesses tied to leisure activities, shopping, or culture report slower evenings during games. Grocery stores like Metro see a surge in customers stocking up on food before the games, with an increase in purchases of festive products like beer, pizza, and chicken wings.
At home improvement and retail stores like Rona, Home Depot, and Canadian Tire, employees have noticed a decrease in customer traffic during playoff games. This slowdown allows workers to focus on tasks that are harder to complete during busier periods. Some leisure and cultural businesses, such as yoga studios and museums, have also seen a decrease in attendance during playoff games.
Overall, businesses across Montreal are adjusting their operations to accommodate the changes in customer traffic and evening routines during the Canadiens' playoff run. While some businesses experience busier periods, others have quieter evenings during game nights. The impact of the playoffs on customer behavior varies across different industries, but the excitement surrounding the Canadiens' playoff games is palpable throughout the city.