Boutique to do online sales of Inuit goods

Men’s sealskin vests on sale at Nunavik Creations’ Kuujjuaq boutique. The vests have always been one of the company’s best-sellers. (PHOTO BY SARAH ROGERS)

Nunavik Creations will re-launch it website in early 2011, where customers can order items online. Here, a selection of children’s sealskin, leather and felt slippers. (PHOTO BY SARAH ROGERS)

Independent artists sell their soapstone, bone or ivory pendants to Nunavik Creations, which then sell for between $40 – $80. The pendants are popular with tourists visiting Kuujjuaq, the company says. (PHOTO BY SARAH ROGERS)

Fans of sealskin, look no more.

Nunavik Creations promises a new and exciting line of Inuit-made products when the Makivik Corp. subsidiary re-launches its website in early 2011.

Since 2001, Nunavik’s Creations’ Kuujjuaq boutique has sold traditional Inuit hand-made products to people in Nunavik, as well as to southerners.

Now the retailer is going after a more contemporary feel to attract a larger southern clientele, says Montreal workshop manager Vera Greening.

“Over the past few years, we’ve tried to make our line more contemporary,” Greening said, “so our products are adapted to be worn in the south.”

Greening promises “a lot of exciting things coming,” from sheer beaver-lined aviator hats to leather laptop bags.

Nunavik Creations has sold products through its online site before, although the site has been down for some time while it’s being revamped.

Greening says that a new, user-friendly site will launch in early 2011, offering customers north and south a selection of nouveau-Inuit style.

In the meantime, business has been buzzing for the company — no less in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

Nunavik Creations’ classic items, like its sealskin mittens, slippers and sealskin men’s vests continue to sell well.

Inukjuak seamstresses were busy making vests all summer to keep up with demand, Greening said.

Nunavik Creations also recently opened a showroom in Inukjuak, she added, which has brought in a lot of new business.

The company’s line of products is made by Inuit seamstresses and artisans from across the region – some who make up its 12-member staff; others are independent artisans who sell their wares to the retailer.

As part of an effort to better market its products, Greening said they are standardizing their patterns and sewing techniques to offer more consistency – especially for repeat customers.

Seamstresses have taken part in fur training, she added, so Nunavik Creations can offer full fur coats, rather than just fur trimming.

And leather training will be offered to artisans in the new year.

Watch for the new web site at www.nunavikcreations.com

In the meantime, products are on sale in Nunavik Creation’s Kuujjuaq boutique in Airport Road.