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North Portal Duty Free Shop Summer 2011 Challenges and a Bright Fall Ahead
 Since the recent FDFA store tour to North Portal, Saskatchewan in May 2011, Gene Davis and his family have had many challenges to face with their store operations and declining customer business. As many of our members know, this past Summer Saskatchewan faced massive flooding in many parts of the province. Specifically, in the Estevan, Saskatchewan region, the flooding began in June causing road and bridge closings across the area. In Minot, North Dakota 4200 homes and businesses were destroyed due to the flooding.
For North Portal Duty Free Shop, the flooding caused a massive decrease in customer traffic due to road diversions and repair work transpiring in their area. This past summer, Gene Davis noted that they had no commercial trucks all summer, and tourists were asked to find alternative routes to cross the border. The State Fair in North Dakota was cancelled as a result of the flooding and the overall local economy experienced record low sales.
Gene Davis is now happy to report that the roads and bridges are fully operational again and they are extremely pleased to be returning to a fully functional business. In fact, as of Tuesday, September 27 to October 1st, 2011, North Portal Duty Free Shop is preparing for one of the busiest seasons of the year – due to the Host Festival – which is the largest Scandinavian Festival in North America that taskes place in Minot, North Dakota – for more information please refer to the following website http://www.hostfest.com. In November, North Portal will also be ready to receive many of their customers who will be attending the Minot and Bismarck Arts and Craft Fairs
For those supplier members who have never been to North Portal Duty Free Shop, you should know that North Portal opened its doors in August 1983. The Davis family has been a loyal and dedicated supporter of the Canadian Duty Free Industry and Gene Davis has acted as President of the FDFA for multiple years throughout FDFA history. While Gene will be unable to attend this year's FDFA Annual Convention due to the recent store flooding issues in his region, Gene and his family look forward to attending next year's convention and seeing everyone in person.
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