Malcolm Gorrill
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Oct 27/00) - Renovations worth a total of $3 million are on the way for the Northern Store here and in Hay River.

When the renovations are complete next October the changes will add 30 jobs to the workforce of 136 at Hay River and Inuvik, said Doug Robertson, department manager at the Inuvik Northern Store.

The North West Company also announced that the two stores will be converted to a NorthMart banner, similar to the company's stores in other Northern regional centres.

"It's been about 10 years since the store was last renovated, and it's time for a change," Robertson said.

"I think everybody's pretty excited about it."

The Inuvik renovations will result in a 50 per cent increase in food retail space.

That will allow more emphasis on fresh foods a larger bakery, expanded produce and meat departments, more frozen food, and a hot and cold deli.

The store is also expected to offer new services, such as a one-hour photo centre and a pharmacy.

Robertson said the renovations are "scheduled to start sometime early in the new year."