Ontario judge rejects appliance store's attempt to stay open during lockdown Stay in the loop Sign up for our free email newsletter. Unsubscribe anytime or contact us for details. An Ontario judge ruled this week that store Canadian Appliance Source will have to keep following the rules like everyone else after the company claimed it should qualify as a hardware store and therefore an essential service. Under the province's lockdown restrictions, only certain "essential" retail outlets can remain open for in-person shopping, including supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, hardware stores, other retailers selling groceries, beer/wine and liquor stores, pharmacies, safety supply stores and pet supply stores.