New Kotzebue AC offers ATVs, flowers and more fresh produce

A new Alaska Commercial Company store that has a wider variety of fresh food and sells ATVs and snowmachines opned in Kotzebue this month.

The new facility — located across the street from the old building — offers an expanded fresh and frozen food assortment, fresh grab-and-go options, precooked meals and freshly baked bread, the company said in the press release. The produce department offers more organic options.

The store opening brought excitement to many Kotzebue residents.

Resident Dolly Conwell said that one of the main struggles of living in a remote area is food shortages, and having a store with a variety of options gives her hope nutrition needs will be met more reliably in the community.

“Some days, we had to wait almost a week to buy a gallon of fresh milk, a loaf of bread or a dozen of eggs and fresh fruits or produce. Many households experienced food insecurity,” she said. “Now the new AC store is here we have variety and quantity! I feel like the quantity of our daily needs are finally being met. I love that we now have a variety to choose from.”

Resident Allison Lincoln said that the timing for the opening was perfect, and she enjoyed the improvements of the new building.

During the current ”cold and flu season, there’s a lot more fresh fruit and vegetables to choose from. That’s a plus," she said. “I love that everything is updated and safe for the elderly. The floor was collapsing at the old building.”

Lincoln also said the new motorsports department that offers all-terrain vehicles and snowmachines is an exciting addition.

“A lot of people can’t afford vehicles so they rely on four-wheelers and snow machines for subsistence and survival,” Lincoln said.

The company spent the past two years building a new 26,000-square-foot store — bigger than the previous AC in Kotzebue, according to the press release.

“We are equally proud that all food and general merchandise are now located on a single level, which will create a convenient shopping experience for all ages,” said Walt Pickett, the company’s vice president of operations and general manager.

There is also a floral department offering bouquets and arrangements, they said.

Other features of the new store include a Credit Union 1 branch and the first self-checkout stations in Kotzebue.

The grand opening celebration was held on Nov. 16 and included a traditional blessing ceremony and giveaways with prizes such as an ATV, a TV and AC gift cards, the company said.