RETAILING IN THE NORTH

The end of 2014 fast approaches...2015 is only a couple of days away....and on the horizon is the organizing.  Yesterday's blizzard in the Kivillaq region of Nunavit gave me the reality check that I had better look into some warm clothes....just in case. With the Boxing week sales being on, it was  a good time to start.

I also had to drop off equipment at Nikon Canada for some recalibration and adjustments...so combined both tasks stopping afterwards at Sherway Gardens. It's definitely one of Canada's mega merchandising emporiums...soon with 75 more stores including a Noordstrum's and a Saks Fifth Avenue in 2016 and 2017 respectively.

Now I know why I hate large malls. Many of the chains use the cookie cutter approach to layout, lighting,  shelving and merchandising. The key redeeming thing is the people, those hardworking retail staffers. They make the whole experience palatable and even pleasant

A sign caught my interest in the Eddie Bauer store. It read Live your adventure...was this an omen???

 Looking at it, made me momentarily drift back to my adventure 7 years ago...standing in the Northern Store. In Rankin Inlet, the goods available are quite different. Very few stores in southern Ontario sell ammunition, Duck and Geese decoys along with fresh vegetables, canned and dry packaged food along with washers, dryers, stoves and fridges. For your transportation needs they stock quad cycles, snow mobiles and outboard motors. Not sure if online shopping has developed there....may find out soon.

If you look at the prices and the specials....you may never complain about your food prices again!!!!
CLICK HERE to see the NORTHERN Flyer Specials to December 31st

I could imagine the scene in the local Northern or the Co-op...not sure if they have a Boxing week sale  but this time of year they have calendars. Since my adventure 7 years ago, I usually get a calendar from one of  the staff at the Health Centre and look forward to it each year. I might even be able to bring my own home this year!

And while researching for material for this blog, I discovered that the Northern store was one of 122 (SOME in Alaska as well as Canada's provinces) and is owned by:

 

Yes, the same company that brought you "Pemmican" and those fur trading "Coureur des bois" in the sixteen and 1700's !

In fact, you will be quite surprised that they are not only retailing in northern Canada but also in the the Caribbean, South Pacific and Alaska. In Niagara, one store chain stands out!!!! Giant Tiger!!!

Coming Up: DECISIONS.....DECISIONS