The Cost-U-Less stores on St. Thomas and St. Croix celebrated a major milestone on Wednesday with 20 years of service to the territory.

The stores are now owned by The Northwest Co. in Winnipeg, Canada. For the first time, they held their quarterly board of directors meeting in the territory in honor of the 20 years of service.

The Northwest Co. specializes in serving somewhat remote areas, said Northwest Co. President and CEO Edward Kennedy.

They also operate stores on 12 other islands around the world as well as 145 stores in northern Canada.

To celebrate the anniversary, the stores selected nine or 10 random winners each day from Wednesday through Saturday who won whatever was in their cart for free at checkout.

"We know when it's coming up and watch them and before they pay, we surprise them," said Arlene Guishard, afternoon manager on St. Thomas.

One grand prize winner was drawn from ballots on Sunday. The lucky shopper received a $500 shopping spree.