As the year winds down and the holiday season kicks into full gear, Alaskans are making choices that will shape our communities for years to come. This season, an estimated 70% of annual retail sales for many small businesses happen between November and January, making your holiday shopping decisions more impactful than ever.
There’s no better time to reflect on the power of shopping locally, and nowhere does that impact resonate more than right here in Alaska.
BuyAlaska.com, the state’s premier online marketplace and resource hub for Alaska-based businesses hosted at UAA’s Alaska SBDC, is more than just a shopping site. It’s a movement dedicated to keeping dollars circulating within our communities, supporting local entrepreneurs, and strengthening the unique fabric of Alaska’s economy.
Why Shopping Local Matters in Alaska
When you shop small and local through BuyAlaska, you’re doing more than finding unique gifts or services; you’re investing directly in the people and places that make our state special. Every dollar spent with an Alaska business helps:
- Create and sustain local jobs
- Support families and entrepreneurs across the state
- Boost the economy in rural and urban communities alike
- Keep Alaska’s distinct culture and character alive
Unlike spending with big-box or online giants headquartered elsewhere, shopping locally when and where you can ensure your money stays right here, fueling economic growth where it matters most.
The Impact: Dollars That Stay in Alaska
Studies show that local businesses recirculate a larger share of every dollar within the community compared to national chains and in some cases, up to three times as much. For every $100 spent at a local business, approximately $68 stays in the local economy, compared to only $43 when spent at chain stores.
In Alaska, where distances are vast and economies are closely knit, this recirculation is vital. BuyAlaska connects buyers to a wide range of locally owned businesses: from artisans crafting handmade goods to service providers keeping our towns running, from specialty food producers to innovative tech startups.
Supporting local businesses means stronger community ties and more resilient economies that can better weather challenges unique to Alaska, like seasonal fluctuations, supply chain hurdles, and environmental impacts.
A Platform for All Alaskans & Small Businesses
BuyAlaska proudly features businesses large and small, veteran-owned, family-run, startups, and legacy brands. Whether you’re looking for unique holiday gifts, specialty foods, or essential services, BuyAlaska is your gateway to discovering and supporting businesses from Ketchikan to Kotzebue and everywhere in between.
This holiday season, discover:
- Handcrafted jewelry and art from artisans
- Wild-caught salmon, halibut, and smoked seafood from Southeast Alaska
- Cozy knitwear, qiviut accessories, and outdoor gear made for Alaska conditions
- Birch syrup, fireweed honey, and other specialty Alaska foods
- Unique gifts that tell Alaska’s story – things you simply can’t find anywhere else
Plus, it’s easy and convenient. Browse curated gift guides, discover new favorites, and shop with confidence knowing you’re making a meaningful impact with every purchase.
BuyAlaska in Action: Community Uplift All Year Round
While the holiday season shines a spotlight on local shopping, BuyAlaska works year-round to promote Alaska businesses and connect them with customers statewide. By fostering these connections, BuyAlaska helps entrepreneurs:
- Grow their customer base beyond local borders
- Access resources and support from partners like the Alaska SBDC
- Build sustainable businesses that contribute to vibrant local economies
- Navigate the unique challenges of doing business in Alaska
The platform serves as more than just a marketplace, it’s a community hub where Alaska businesses can share their stories, connect with each other, and find the support they need to thrive.
Make Your Dollars Work Harder This Holiday Season
This December, as you shop for friends and family, remember that every purchase on BuyAlaska is a gift that keeps on giving to local workers, families, and communities across the state.
Time to get started: To ensure your gifts arrive in time for the holidays, shop early. Many Alaska businesses offer local pickup options, and shipping within the state is faster than you might think.
Let’s make this holiday season (and every season) an opportunity to invest in Alaska’s future by choosing local first. When you shop BuyAlaska, you’re not just checking items off your list, you’re helping to build the Alaska we all want to live in.
Visit BuyAlaska.com today to explore, shop, and support Alaska’s entrepreneurs.
The Alaska SBDC & BuyAlaska: Partnering for Economic Strength
The Alaska Small Business Development Center is proud to be home to the BuyAlaska program and support the incredible entrepreneurs it showcases. Together, we’re committed to building a strong, diverse, and resilient Alaska economy, one local purchase at a time.
Through free business advising, training programs, resources like BuyAlaska, and nearly 40 years under its belt, the Alaska SBDC helps entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey; from startup dreams to established businesses ready to scale.
This holiday season, every Alaska purchase is a vote for the communities we love.