Christmas Shopping here in Arctic Bay is not so much shopping as it is a social event. Oh, ultimately the idea is to get you to leave your money in the stores, and take home some cheap Spiderman knock-off from China ("For luxurious children entertainment. Many times of fun"), but over the years it has evolved more into an opportunity to get together, play some games, and take advantage of some discounts.
Both the Co-op and the Northern Store put on theme nights in the couple of weeks leading up to Christmas. Both stores have much of the same themes, just on different nights. There are Ladies Nights, Men’s Night’s, Midnight Madness, Elder’s Night (never been to one yet, but I think I get to go next year), etc. During the evening shopping events there are usually games, draws, scavanger hunts for gift certificates and discounts. Some of the discounts are tied to the theme, for instance an extra 10 percent off for wearing pajamas at Midnight Madness, or dressing like a man on Ladies Night or a woman on Men’s Night. In general the discounts are pretty good (sometimes as high as 50 percent off on certain items) although the Northern has been offering less and less to the point of almost nothing at all lately.
Most people in Arctic Bay love to play, and these shopping theme nights are looked forward to great anticipation. They are fun enough to attend, even if your shopping is done. And mine is… not even close.