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Food wars on coastal horizon

Dez Loreen
Northern News Services

Tuktoyaktuk (Sep 19/05) - After 60 years of the Bay and its successor the Northern Store, shoppers in Tuktoyaktuk are looking forward to competition for their grocery money.

Inuvik-based Stanton Distributing is opening a store in the coastal community later this year. The opening of the new Stanton's location is planned for October 3. Weather permitting, a grand opening event is planned to take place at the new store. Local dignitaries and Stanton group representatives will be on hand to cut the ribbon.

"We're looking at having a barbecue, and hope the community will come out and support us," said Inuvialuit Development Corp. vice-president of operations, Andre Rancourt.

"It's definitely time for a change," said deputy mayor Merven Gruben.

"Everyone in town is talking about it, and we're all waiting to see what happens."

While prices aren't expected to drop significantly, the competition will prove worthwhile in the long run, he said.

"Since the announcement, Northern has been improving their service ever since," said Gruben.

A larger dairy case has been installed, as well a purified water dispenser.

"That location has been overdue for upgrading," said Northern representative Travis Lussier.

Lussier, who served the Northern in Tuk as manager, now works out of Winnipeg as food sales manager for the region.

The new Stanton's in Tuk will be located in the centre of town and will offer fresh produce, frozen meats, and purified water. A portion of the store will be sectioned off during the evenings, and be open late for convenience purchases.

Tuk shoppers aren't jumping the Northern ship just yet though. "I'll have to wait and see who has the cheaper prices," said Maureen Pokiak. "I'll make my [shopping] decisions then. The best deals are what I'm after."

One of the bigger bargaining chips that Northern has over Stanton's is credit accounts.

"I can charge food on my account at Northern. If Stanton's doesn't offer the same, it could mean the difference for some people," said Gruben.

The Stanton group seems very confident in the choice to open a new location. "The competition should be good, but at the end of the day the real winners will be the people of Tuk," said Rancourt.