KUGAARUK/PELLY BAY - Kugaaruk residents will soon have more choices as to where to buy groceries, as a Northern Store is set to open in the community in 2013.

Tim Ross, general manager of the North West Company, said it wants to build the approximately 750-metre store with cold and heated warehouse in 2012 with an expected opening date of 2013. He added this will create 15 jobs within the store, as well as indirect jobs related to freight handling and janitorial services.

"We feel it's also a great opportunity for us," he said. "It's one of the few communities we're not in so we believe we're going to be able to help service the community, provide them an alternative to the only other retailer in the community right now."

He added the new store will have better prices and selection.

Once the new store opens in Kugaaruk, only Whale Cove and Resolute will be without a Northern Store.

Kugaaruk resident Andre Larabie said he personally thinks the new store will be a good thing for the community.

"Competition is good and having a choice of product and availability is important. Beside the fact that it will create jobs for 15 individuals it is a good economic boost for this community," he stated via e-mail. "Having another retail store in Kugaaruk can only help the economy and competition is always a good thing."

Kugaaruk currently has a Co-op store. Koomiut Co-op declined to comment.

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