The Official Island Store has been selected as a finalist in this year's Excellence in Retailing Awards by the Retail Council of Canada (RCC). The store has been nominated in two categories: Small-Socially Responsible Retailer and Small-Innovative Retailer. Each category only has two finalists.
The Official Island Store, located in Gateway Village at the foot of the Confederation Bridge, features locally produced products such as clothing, crafts, and food. The store is provincially owned and operated by Gateway Development Inc., a provincial Crown Corporation.
The store is opened year-round and operates from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. from June to October. Eight people are on staff at the store during peak season.
"I would like to congratulate and thank all of the staff of Gateway Village Development Inc and the Official Island Store," said Wes MacAleer, Minister of Economic Development and Tourism. "This not only reflects their hard work and dedications, but the high quality Island products that are featured at the store."
Presentation of the awards will take place at the RCC's Annual Awards Dinner on Monday, June 22, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The store will also be featured during the RCC's multi-media presentation at their annual conference, "Retailers Take Off The Gloves."