The Northern store in Arviat gives out free watermelons to show appreciation for their customers.

The Northern store in Arviat showed their appreciation for the local community by giving away a healthy and tasty treat to its customers. On May 7, the store handed out a staggering 225 free watermelons in approximately two hours!

The event was a means to thank the members of the community, and was a success even without being advertised, in order to prevent substantial customer traffic in the store as per the social distancing guidelines due to COVID-19. With the lower new Nutrition North Canada rates for fresh produce, the store came up with the idea as the perfect way to thank shoppers.

“We are always looking for a great deal for our customers,” said Arviat Store Manager Darren Price.

The event was held in collaboration with The Hamlet of Arviat, which has partnered with the Northern store on several community initiatives in the past. Earlier this year, they jointly supplied $20,000 worth of fresh produce at a 10% discounted rate to help support the community. The positive response has made it likely for a similar event to take place in the future, according to Price.

“Sometimes we get so busy and wrapped up in our work, we forget why we work in retail. To be able to stand at the front of the store and give customers something for free, to see their smiling faces, and have them personally thank us made my day, week, and month!” Price said.