Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (Aug 01/01) - Alison Coman is what you might call an aficionado of shopping. Second-hand shopping, that is.

The long-time Northern resident has developed a knack for finding rock-bottom bargains at garage and house sales.

"I guess I started about 15 years ago when I was still in Ontario," said Coman, a resident of Rankin Inlet.

She said she's been honing her craft ever since. As for the best purchase she's ever snapped up, Coman laughed and said, "Pop. It's a hot commodity here."

And, as she's been picking up tips over the years, Coman has learned a thing or two about the art of hosting garage sales. She said in the seven years she's been married to her husband, Henry, she's put on nine garage sales -- from Yellowknife to Qikiqtarjuaq.

"We usually have one every year," said Coman.

"I like to shop and the kids outgrow things so it all goes into the garage sales.

"Jeepers creepers, we've sold everything from children's toys to clothes, to a treadmill, bicycles, barbecues, household appliances and plants" she said.

Estimating the amount of money earned over the years at about $9,000, Coman said they liked to keep their prices reasonable to give shoppers a good deal.

The couple plans to hold their 10th garage sale at their Rankin Inlet home next Saturday, Aug. 4. They plan to move to Iqaluit this fall so Henry can attend the Akitsiraq Law school. Coman said her husband's employer, the RCMP, limits the amount of belongings they can move to 6,000 pounds, forcing them to pare down their belongings.

But, she said she's not concerned about being left without personal possessions because she's heard the sales are just as good in Iqaluit.

"I am looking forward to it," she said.