Aurora Decorating Center is moving from Yellowknife’s Kam Lake to the city’s downtown, taking over the 50 Avenue building that was once the Sunlines convenience store.
The company revealed its new location on Tuesday but the work involved in the move has stretched across most of the past year.
Aurora Decorating owner Ash Munro said the switch from the existing Ellesmere Drive premises gives the business more space – going from 3,600 to 7,000 square feet – and allows it to own rather than lease.
The move also places the business within walking distance of downtown customers rather than being tucked in an industrial area.
“We will go from a destination-only retail business to drop-in friendly retail,” said Stephen Robertson, Aurora Decorating’s flooring manager.
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“We want people on their lunch breaks to come and shop for paint, flooring and window coverings. I think it’s going to be a massive change for volume of customers entering our store.”
At the moment, the company makes uses of several lots to warehouse its inventory. The Sunlines renovation – the convenience store closed following a fire in 2024 – will bring all of that under one roof.
The new location will have up to 10 parking stalls including access for people with disabilities.
A soft opening of the new premises is planned in the first week or two of June, Robertson said.
“We want to have everything perfect in the showroom before the public comes in,” Munro added.
