.
Search
Email this articleE-mail this story  Discuss this articleWrite letter to editor  Discuss this articleOrder a classified ad

New chapter for North of 60

Stephan Burnett
Northern News Services

Fort Smith (Apr 11/05) - The new owner of North of 60 Books has some big plans.

In late 2004, long-time Northerner Neil Gauthier took over the Fort Smith business from Ib Kristensen, who ran the shop for 28 years.

"I tried to stay with the original concept of Northern specialty books, as well as rare out-of-print books - anything to do with the North," said Gauthier, who admitted his past has had a huge affect on his plans for operating the store.

"I lived in the Eastern Arctic, in Rankin Inlet and Iqaluit for seven years," he said. "I've tried to incorporate some stuff from the Nunavut territory, including Inuit arts, crafts and prints."

Gauthier also increased the retail space by about 85 per cent, to 1,300 square feet from a mere 700 since he took over. The lighting has been changed, as has the panelling.

"I opened up the back for displaying stuff and provided more room for people moving around," he said. "It's a fairly old building and it has a rustic feel."

The store has a loyal following, with many people coming back year after year and they aren't afraid to recommend it to others.

"Alex Hall, an outfitter living in Fort Smith doing tours of the Thelon River Basin, brings a lot of customers here, with the Wood Buffalo National Park being the main attraction," he said.

Gauthier is also encouraging local artists, carvers and photographers to bring their artwork in to sell it on consignment. "A lot of them just want a place to hang things up," he said.

The store has made a lot of changes to be more aesthetically pleasing, but one of its mainstay clients remains Aurora College.

"That's the bulk of the store sales," he said.