After much planning and effort, Alaska Commercial Company (ACC) and Ukpeaġvik Iñupiat Corporation (UIC) are excited to announce the opening of a new grocery store in Utqiaġvik this fall. The new store will open this October in the building long recognized as the community’s primary grocery store in Browerville.
ACC has a long history in Utqiaġvik and has been honored to serve the community for many decades. That connection continued in recent years through a smaller store, where ACC remained focused on providing quality products, dependable service, and competitive pricing. Now, with UIC’s support, ACC is excited to return to its previous home in the community’s largest retail building.
“We are thrilled to be back in the main store in Utqiaġvik, a place that holds deep history for ACC and the community,” said Kyle Hill, President of Alaska Commercial Company. “While we are starting with a ‘phase one’ store, our partnership with UIC is centered on building a sustainable, full-scale grocery operation that meets the long-term needs of the community. We are committed to investing in Utqiaġvik’s food security today and in the future years to come.”
The ‘phase one’ store launch will provide a larger selection of grocery options, featuring fresh meat that is cut and prepared in the store and expanded departments for produce, dairy, frozen food, and general merchandise. Customers will see many other improvements, including new fixtures, flooring, and refrigeration. In addition, customers will benefit from expanded services, including a potential new banking option introduced through UIC’s collaboration with Global Credit Union to better serve the community’s financial needs.
“This partnership is an important investment in the future of Utqiaġvik, both for food security and access to more financial services for our people,” said Dr. Pearl K. Brower, President/CEO of Ukpeaġvik Iñupiat Corporation. “We are proud to work with Alaska Commercial Company to re-establish this building as a community hub while ensuring our community has access to the food and services they need. We recognize and appreciate the company ACC has become today and together, we are laying the foundation for a sustainable grocery store that will serve generations to come.”
In the coming years, ACC and UIC will continue to work together on ‘phase two’ renovations that will transform the full building into a modern, full-service grocery and general merchandise destination for the Utqiaġvik community. UIC and ACC would like to extend their gratitude to UIC Shareholders, the community of Utqiaġvik, and the entire North Slope for their patience and support throughout this process. Residents are encouraged to stay tuned for exciting updates on the fun activities planned for the ‘phase one’ grand opening of the store.
About Ukpeaġvik Iñupiat Corporation (UIC):
UIC is the Alaska Native Village Corporation of Utqiaġvik, Alaska and provides social and economic resources to over 4,000 Iñupiat shareholders and their descendants. Since its establishment, UIC has diversified its investments and consistently ranks among the top Alaskan-owned companies. UIC employs more than 4,400 people and provides services to clients in a variety of industries, including operations in Utqiaġvik, construction, architecture and engineering, regulatory consulting, information technology, marine operations, logistics, and maintenance and manufacturing. More information about UIC and its family of companies can be found at www.uicalaska.com.
About Alaska Commercial Company (ACC):
Alaska Commercial Company has been serving rural Alaska for over 150 years. With 37 stores across the state, ACC provides groceries and general merchandise in dozens of communities while prioritizing food security, community engagement, and customer service.
