Alaska Commercial Company Returns to Former Utqiaġvik Supermarket Location
The old Stuaqpak signage is gone while Alaska Commercial Company moves back to its old location under the new name AC Stuaqpak.
Photo Credit: Alaska Commercial Company
The largest retail building in Alaska’s northernmost town has a new tenant, same as the old tenant. Alaska Commercial Company (ACC) is returning to the Utqiaġvik location it occupied until six years ago.
A grand opening this week welcomes shoppers to the new AC Stuaqpak. The Iñupiaq word for “general store” had been the brand name of the previous supermarket, a business venture of former US Senator Mark Begich.
Preparing for Visitors
Begich started Stuaqpak in 2019 when ACC’s lease was up for renewal. The landlord, Ukpeaġvik Iñupiat Corporation (UIC), put out a request for proposals and picked Begich’s group out of three respondents. Begich promised more responsive management and lower prices by wholesaling through J.B. Gottstein, the supplier for Carrs/Safeway stores as well.
By 2024, however, Stuaqpak was struggling. UIC issued a statement in January acknowledging local concerns. “As we enter 2025, our plan is for change, and that change is coming,” the corporation added. “To be successful, our efforts must be based on a thoughtful and well-structured plan to ensure we meet the existing contractual and legal obligations related to Begich Capital Partners’ operation of the store. This takes time but ensures our efforts are both feasible and legally compliant.”
ACC has retained a presence in Utqiaġvik with a smaller store near the airport, and the town is also served by Kannika’s Market in ACC’s original location inside the courthouse. Over the winter, the two stores needed UIC to arrange extra warehouse space to stock food for an anticipated rush of visitors in February.
The largest supermarket in Utqiaġvik is not too different from its more urban counterparts.
Photo Credit: Alaska Commercial Company
“We are confident that the steps we are taking will lead to the best possible outcomes in both the short and long term,” UIC stated. “Our first goal is to identify a viable grocer who cares about and can meet the needs of our community. Looking ahead, we plan to offer even more services from the Stuaqpak location than ever before.”
That viable grocer turned out to be ACC again.
“We are thrilled to be back in the main store in Utqiaġvik, a place that holds deep history for ACC and the community,” says ACC President Kyle Hill. “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.”
Phase one involves expanding the selection of grocery options, featuring fresh-cut meat and expanded departments for produce, dairy, frozen food, and general merchandise. Customers will see new fixtures, flooring, and refrigeration. The building gained a coffee kiosk when Begich’s business moved in, and space was made for local artists to sell goods on consignment.
ACC and UIC are planning phase two renovations to upgrade the Stuaqpak building into a modern, full-service grocery and general merchandise destination. UIC is also collaborating with Global Credit Union to develop a potential new banking option.
Interior view of the old Stuaqpak store in Utqiaġvik.
Photo Credit: Patricia Morales | Alaska Business
“This partnership is an important investment in the future of Utqiaġvik, both for food security and access to more financial services for our people,” says UIC President and CEO Pearl K. Brower. “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.”
ACC continues to operate its airport location as AC Utqiaġvik.
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Also in this issue: building a company and planning an exit strategy; several ESOPs, and UAS’ foray into a new model for tuition. Enjoy!