Inuvik - A new shop at the airport is offering services that were lacking until now.

The Arctic gift shop was opened earlier this month by Amirco Enterprises, which also specialize in security services.

Ayman Shafei and Amier Suliman stand in the new shop opened at the Mike Zubko airport. The store was opened last week by Amirco Enterprises. Suliman said the service was needed at the airport for tourists who want a souvenir of their trip. He also hopes to attract local artists to sell their wares at the shop. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

Shop manager Amier Suliman said the shop was something he wanted to do for a while.

"It's a wonderful opportunity," said Suliman. "We opened our doors on July 1."

He said the empty space created an opportunity for him to bring a souvenir shop to those who come into town by air.

"We are one of the only airports I've seen without a gift shop," he said.

Weary travellers is just one of the markets that Suliman hopes to reach.

"We need a place for artists to bring their work for sale," he said.

Suliman said he isn't looking to make a lot of money by selling art to visitors.

"It's just something that the artists can use to sell their work," he said.

"We're looking to promote the artists of Inuvik."

Already, the shop is lined with miniature inuksuks for sale.

The shop also offers small trinkets and toys for children who might need some distraction on long flights.

Arts and craftspeople looking to have their work displayed at the airport gift shop should stop by for information.

Suliman said the store is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. seven days a week, and operated by three staff members. He encourages members of the community to take the quick drive to the airport to see the shop, and have lunch at the restaurant.

Clerk Ayman Shafei said customer traffic has been steady since the shop opened.