Should Michigan Stores and Businesses Be Closing During the Total Solar Eclipse?

The solar eclipse set to stretch across much of Michigan and the Great Lakes region will be an event that won't be repeated anywhere in the United States for another 20 years. That will make it a history making and can't miss event.

But what if you're working during the mid afternoon on April 8, 2024 when the eclipse passes overhead? Should you have the opportunity - even the right? - to step away from your job for a few minutes to view the phenomenon?

A large mid-Atlantic supermarket chain has decided just that. The Wegman's chain is closing its stores in the path of the eclipse for 30 minutes on that day as the sun and moon converge overhead.

READ MORE: Police Have Stern Warning for Michigan Drivers During Total Solar Eclipse

It's not out of the question that many other business and retail locations will follow suit. After all, if the general public will be sungazing (safely!) during the event, there likely won't be much commerce transacted during those few minutes of totality.

As of this publication, no other businesses have made plans to suspect operations during the eclipse.

While most of Michigan will not see totality - only the extreme southeast corner of the state near Monroe will get that complete - the vast majority of the state will see 95% or better coverage, enough to feel the magnitude of the event.

So what say you, businesses and schools of Michigan? Should we take a few minutes away from the workday for this nearly once-in-a-lifetime event?