Article content One small-business advocate says retailers in Ontario are “red-faced mad” at their government over COVID-19 lockdown rules that favour big-box stores over independent operators. A recent court ruling is not likely to calm them down. We apologize, but this video has failed to load. Try refreshing your browser, or A hardware store by any other name? Judge rejects retailer's challenge of Ontario lockdown rules Back to video In a decision that underscores the economic complexities of pandemic restrictions, a judge said a chain of appliance retailers did not qualify as hardware stores and so were not exempt from the province’s ban on in-person shopping.