Alaska Commercial Company (ACC) and Ukpeaġvik Iñupiat Corporation (UIC) celebrated the grand opening of AC Stuaqpak in Utqiaġvik on October 29. The new store marks Alaska Commercial Company’s 38th location in the state and represents a partnership between ACC and UIC to strengthen food access and community services in the North Slope region.
Community members gathered early for the grand opening ceremony, eager to explore the new store and celebrate this important milestone. The event began at 10 a.m. with opening remarks, a store blessing, and a ribbon cutting. Throughout the day, customers enjoyed samples from various departments, a one-of-a-kind seven-tier cake, and incredible savings featured in the four-day grand opening ad. Giveaways took place every two hours, with prizes that included AC gift cards, children’s toys, soundbars, an AC Meat Pack, and an LG television. The excitement built throughout the day and concluded with the grand prize drawing for a Honda ATV.
The new AC Stuaqpak store features a selection of fresh cut and packaged meats, an expanded produce section, and a limited deli/bakery assortment. In addition to grocery offerings, customers can find general merchandise essentials such as apparel, appliances, furniture, home goods, and motorized machines conveniently located on the sales floor.
ACC opened the first phase of the new store to meet the community’s immediate needs. The company recognized that residents needed a larger, convenient place to shop while renovations continued in the remaining portion of the building. By opening half of the store as Phase 1, AC provided a broader selection of products than what is currently available at the smaller AC Utqiaġvik location across town. Alaska Commercial Company remains committed to ensuring that fresh groceries and essential products are available to customers as they proceed with Phase 2 development.
ACC and UIC are planning to work together to renovate the second half of the building including new fixtures, new equipment, new refrigeration, new flooring, and additional infrastructure improvements during Phase 2. Once complete, the full store will open to the community with an expanded deli/bakery, a larger produce department, and more general merchandise options while exploring other services that may benefit the community. ACC will also continue refining its offerings in response to community feedback, introducing new products such as gourmet cheeses, assorted breads and additional fresh food selections.
Alaska Commercial Company and Ukpeaġvik Iñupiat Corporation are proud to bring AC Stuaqpak to Utqiaġvik and remain committed to serving the community for generations to come.
