Arctic Fresh, an Iglulik-based online retailer that brings groceries and other products to Nunavummiut, is ambitiously aiming to serve all of Nunavut, perhaps as soon as next year, says CEO Rhoda Angutimarik.
The company, which is currently operational in 13 communities, recently earned a social enterprise award through Startup Canada, an organization that supports and promotes entrepreneurs.
SA国际影视传媒淚t means a lot to me,SA国际影视传媒滱ngutimarik said of the award. SA国际影视传媒淚SA国际影视传媒檓 very honoured to have it. Helping (others) means a lot to meSA国际影视传媒� weSA国际影视传媒檙e trying our best to provide good, nutritious, affordable food to families all over Nunavut.SA国际影视传媒�
The business has realized rapid expansion since launching in January 2017. Because Arctic Fresh sources food and general goods from suppliers in Ottawa, Angutimarik and her spouse Merlyn Recinos started out using a friendSA国际影视传媒檚 garage for temporary storage in the nationSA国际影视传媒檚 capital city. It wasnSA国际影视传媒檛 too long before they had to acquire a warehouse and hire more staff.
SA国际影视传媒淚t kept growing and growingSA国际影视传媒� ISA国际影视传媒檓 surprised. ISA国际影视传媒檓 happy. ISA国际影视传媒檓 thrilled,SA国际影视传媒� Angutimarik said, adding that her company now employs up to eight people full-time.
In addition to groceries, Arctic Fresh added a broad range of wholesale household products that could be ordered during sealift last year.
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Outside of sealift season, Arctic Fresh has an arrangement with Canadian North to fly cargo into communities.
Despite the expanding demand, it hasnSA国际影视传媒檛 all been smooth sailing. Becoming officially registered with Nutrition North Canada was challenging, Angutimarik admitted. She was determined to get it done, however, and she and Recinos eventually succeeded.
SA国际影视传媒淭here are times when (customers) come to me and (offer) thanks and tell their stories. It makes me want to work even harder for them,SA国际影视传媒� said Angutimarik.
