After months of talks, a purchase agreement between Three Bears Alaska and Alaska Ship Supply is set to close Friday.
Larry Soriano, president of Western Pioneer — which owns Alaska Ship Supply — confirmed the closing date. He said in a press release Thursday that Three Bears would be a good fit because of their experience doing business “in challenging environments.”
Both the Alaska Ship Supply general store and Captains Bay convenience store are part of the purchase agreement. Alaska Ship Supply staff have been notified of pending changes and have moved some inventory in preparation for the deal’s finalization.
Three Bears is a Wasilla-based grocery store chain. They spent the summer taking steps to buy stores in communities around Alaska, including Delta Junction and North Pole. The chain is known to expand into small towns where large supermarkets are harder to access. Unalaska also has a Safeway supermarket.
“We want to assure Alaska Ship Supply and Captains Bay loyal customers that your favorite products and services will continue to be offered with the same level of care and attention to detail, especially to our boat customers,” said Three Bears CEO David Weisz.
Alaska Ship Supply is a local landmark in Unalaska, with hoodies, coffee and groceries, a liquor store, a mechanic shop and a selection of fishing gear. The store has been in Dutch Harbor since 1986.
Updated at 6:40 Nov. 30, 2023 to include information from a Thursday afternoon press release.
