History

In 1799, Catherine the Great, Empress of Russia, chartered the Russian-American Company, led by Gregor Shelikhov and Ivan Golikov. This fur trading enterprise began exchanging goods and services at trading posts throughout Alaska and was also responsible for developing infrastructure such as schools, wharves, warehouses, and roads. Under its charter, the company received trading privileges along the Western coast of the United States. These operations laid the groundwork for what would later become the Alaska Commercial Company.

Alaska Commercial Company became the economic heartbeat for much of the state in the forty years following the U.S. purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867. The company’s name came to fruition with the sale of the Russian-American Company’s assets to Sloss, Lewis, Gerstle, and A. Wassermann in 1868. AC quickly grew into a far-reaching mercantile empire, operating over 86 trading posts across the territory during Alaska’s transition from colonial status to statehood.

Alaska Commercial Company’s initial focus included operations in the Aleutians, where it secured a 20-year lease over the Pribilof Islands for fur seal harvesting. AC’s commitment to social justice and education during this period reflected an evolving role in Alaska’s development. Infrastructure improvements like family dwellings, hospitals, and schoolhouses were introduced to address community needs and support local development.

As fur seal populations declined and the Pribilof Islands lease expired, the Alaska Commercial Company expanded northward, establishing over 60 trading posts. The company shifted focus to the Yukon River, providing essential supplies to gold miners flocking west in the search for wealth. AC also built the largest fleet of vessels on the Pacific coast, playing a key role in fueling Alaska’s Gold Rush economy. Throughout this period, AC maintained a reputation for fair and ethical practices, supplying groceries and merchandise to trappers, explorers, and gold seekers alike.

The Alaska Commercial Company adapted to economic pressures by forming two new entities: the Northern Navigation Company (NNC) and the Northern Commercial Company (NCC). These divisions helped streamline operations as competition with other shippers intensified. In 1922, Volney Richmond and a group of former AC employees purchased the Northern Commercial Company, operating its two largest stores in Anchorage and Fairbanks.

In 1975, all remaining AC stores were sold to the Nordstrom Company of Seattle. The Alaska Commercial Company name was revived in 1977 when the remaining 11 stores were sold to the Community Enterprise Development Corporation (CEDC) as a response to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA). Over the next 12 years, AC expanded operations to include 23 stores employing more than 400 individuals.

In 1993, the Northwest Company acquired the Alaska Commercial Company, which operated 20 stores throughout Alaska at the time. This merger created one of the largest North American rural retailers and one of Alaska’s largest employers. Both companies shared a commitment to providing groceries and general merchandise to remote communities.

The Alaska Commercial Company is one of the largest employers in Alaska, with more than 1,000 employees working across its stores, distribution center, and corporate office. Today, AC continues its long tradition of providing fresh groceries, general merchandise, and everyday low prices to customers in remote locations throughout Alaska. As the trusted community store of choice, AC remains a vital part of rural Alaskan life and a reliable retail employer.