Wal-Mart Canada is getting ready for the busy Christmas shopping season, by keeping many of their stores open 24 hours a day until Christmas Eve.

    The Swift Current store is one 10 in the province that will be open around the clock starting Monday.

    Wal-Mart Corporate Affairs Director Kevin Groh says 24 hour stores will help make things more convenient for consumers, especially those with irregular work schedules and familiy committments. He adds market research shows 41 per cent of Canadian consumers look for extended operating hours when choosing a place to shop for Christmas.

    Groh doesn't believe staffing the stores around the clock will be a big issue, saying only a small number of sales associates and cashiers are needed for every overnight shift. He adds all employees who choose to work overnight will be paid a small premium on their wages.