Retail.

• Author: Martin, Elisha
• Position: 2007 Alaska Forecast

The retail market in Alaska will continue strong in 2007. Despite record-high energy prices and rising interest rates, retail sales continue to increase throughout the state. New retailers continue to add Alaska to their expansion plans with several new retailers scheduled to open stores in 2007. Current retailers with one location in Anchorage are adding additional locations within Anchorage and throughout Alaska. More and more businesses are figuring out that any additional costs of doing business in Alaska are far outweighed by the record retail sales generated by their stores.

The rapid population growth in Wasilla will continue to drive new retail into its market. Several stores have expanded in the last...