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ARVIAT
A familiar face has returned to the Kivalliq region.

Jim Ramsay's Winnipeg-based Arctic Connection has dealt with more than 2,000 Kivalliq customers during the past nine years.

The husband and wife team of Jim and Loreen Ramsay began their Arctic Connection expansion into the Kivalliq by officially opening their Arviat store this past month. - photo courtesy of Arctic Connection

Now he has a physical presence in Arviat, having opened a new retail outlet there on Nov. 28.

Ramsay, 43, lived almost six years in Rankin Inlet and has been doing business in the North, either directly or indirectly, for 23 years.

He decided the time was right to expand into the Kivalliq because of escalating prices he feels his operation can help curtail.

"We're also offering products that aren't usually found here," said Ramsay.

"My kids wanted Loreen and I to do something to help people here more.

"And, they figured, with stores, we can be a little different and offer savings in some areas."

The Arviat store has 1,800-square feet of retail space, including a kitchen area.

The Ramsays have partnered with Arviat interests in the venture, as well as a top-level Manitoba pizza franchise.

Jim said the outlet is selling everything from tools to hockey sticks, gloves, parts, kitchen ware, children's toys, mattresses, clothing, fresh and frozen food and computers.

He said the store also serves 26 different types of coffee, as well as ice cream and nachos.

"Right now, we're employing eight local people on a full- or part-time basis, and I've also sent some out for a bit of specialized training.

"People seem to be very happy we're in Arviat.

"We had about 600 people on our first day and it was insane inside the store."

Jim said this is the biggest business gamble he's taken in his career.

He said he's optimistic the store will succeed in Arviat, and he's also looking to expand into other Kivalliq communities.

"I'm looking at property to pursue next summer, with Whale Cove high on our list.

"We're negotiating with other communities, too, but it's too early to comment on that right now.

"Arctic Connection is recognized and we stand behind every thing we do.

"We're a ma-and-pa business, not big players, so our service and commitment are big parts of our success."

Jim was known for his community involvement in Rankin, especially when it came to supporting sports.

He said it will be business as usual on that front in Arviat, as well.

"I've already sponsored a senior men's hockey team here, and we donated a cotton candy machine and supplies to a school for fundraising.

"We've donated to the Rainbow Society and a couple of other associations, and we'll always do what we can to help out.

"We're a convenience or general store, so we're not open at 8 a.m., but we're here when a family wants to shop at nine or 10 p.m., or pick up a part they really need, and it's all at competitive pricing."

For now, Jim is looking at residing about half the year in Arviat.

He said his business commitments in Winnipeg keep him from taking up full-time residency elsewhere.

"I have to be in the city to run the sealift for about four months, especially since we now service all of Nunavut.

"My intention is to have two or three stores going in the Kivalliq by next fall, and to spend equal time in each community throughout.

"But, for now, my focus is on our Arviat store."

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