More than 100 people were on hand for the reopening of Canadian Tire in Vernon Feb. 10. Owner Jack D'Amico greeted customers at the entrance. (Brian Martin/Vernon Matters photo)

By Pete McIntyre

Vernon

Back in business: Big crowd on hand as Canadian Tire reopens

Feb 10, 2023 | 5:00 AM

UPDATE: 8:30 am

The reopening of Canadian Tire in Vernon this morning drew a big response.

More than 100 people lined up outside the front doors prior to the 8 a.m. opening after a nearly three month closure due to a fire in November.

Owner Jack D’Amico and store staff greeted the customers outside the store, with people applauding and some in tears.

Reopening of Canadian Tire in the Village Green Shopping Centre Feb. 10. (Vernon Matters photo)

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Original story

One of Vernon’s largest stores welcomes back customers today for the first time in nearly three months.

Canadian Tire in the Village Green Shopping Centre has been shut down since a fire Nov. 19.

Canadian Tire Vernon owner Jack D’Amico (left) with Ken De Groot, winner of Beach Radio’s $10,000 Christmas shopping contest. De Groot had a number of local businesses to choose where he spent his winnings, and he picked Canadian Tire. (Vernon Matters photo)

The fire started in the outside garden centre and caused extensive smoke damage inside the store, with many products having to be replaced.

Police say the cause was suspicious, and believed to be deliberately set, with an investigation ongoing.

“We’re excited to say we are opening on Feb. 10. After a period of being closed, me and my staff, we’re all excited,” store owner/dealer Jack D’Amico told Vernon Matters earlier this month.

Vernon Canadian Tire owner Jack D’Amico (Vernon Matters photo)

Customers are also excited, based on comments on the store’s Facebook page.

“So excited that you are back!!! Can’t wait to shop in person,” said one person.

“Happy to hear that you are opening on Friday and looking forward to go shopping in my favourite store again,” said another.

D’Amico said it will be the same store when the doors open, with a few different products.

Over 100 people work at the store, and they’ve been kept busy since the blaze, cleaning and bringing products in.

The grand reopening also includes a ‘Back In Time’ sale featuring all of the Canadian Tire sales since Black Friday when the fire happened.