Hammer & Wikan Preserves Independent Retail in Alaska for Over 100 Years

For over a century, Hammer & Wikan has been committed to serving the community of Petersburg, Alaska, as a triple threat: full-service hardware store, grocery store and convenience store. 

The company was founded in 1921 as a single store in Petersburg when John Hammer and Andrew Wikan, the store’s first owners, began supplying dairy products and dry goods from Alaska’s mainland for the community. As Petersburg grew, the company expanded by building a combined grocery and hardware store next to the original location.

Jim Floyd, CEO and general manager of Hammer and Wikan, says the store’s over 100-year history can be attributed to many different factors. One of those factors has been the ability to evolve. 

“Retail has changed dramatically over the last century, especially in Alaska where logistics and operating costs can be challenging, but we have remained willing to modernize operations, invest in technology, expand services and adapt to what our customers need,” Floyd says.

As Petersburg is located on an island in Southeast Alaska, the store faces challenges to keep inventory up, but Floyd says the store always tries to carry things their customers will need. The store carries a little bit of everything, from essential products the community depends on, like marine and fishing supplies, to hardware, paint, plumbing, electrical, heating, lumber and outdoor products.

“Being located in Southeast Alaska makes our operation unique by itself,” he says.” We operate in an island community where reliability, relationships and service matter tremendously.”

Community involvement has always been a foundation of Hammer & Wikan. The store supports local schools, youth activities, nonprofit organizations, community events and local causes throughout the year. The store also allows storefront community activities.

“As one of the largest year-round private employers in our community, we understand the important role we play in helping support the long-term health and sustainability of Petersburg,” Floyd says.

As a small community and an independent operation, customer service is of utmost importance at Hammer & Wikan. Customers know employees personally, building trust between the two. The store also focuses on staying in line with the latest in-store technology, like electronic shelf labels and online ordering.

“Customers still expect personal relationships here, but they also expect convenience and efficiency,” Floyd says. “We have implemented technology such as electronic shelf labels and a self-service hunting and fishing licensing kiosk to improve customer service while maintaining the personal experience independent retailers are known for. We also offer online ordering and delivery.”

At Hammer & Wikan, employees are family. The store emphasizes training and communication among its employees while also letting them know they are contributing to something greater than just a job. 

“Many of our employees have been with us for years, and their experience and commitment are a major reason customers continue to trust us,” Floyd says.

When looking ahead to the future, Floyd says they don’t focus on just short-term goals for the operation, but are always focused on the long-term. Serving the community for another 100 years is the goal.

“We are focused on maintaining the long-term sustainability of independent retail in rural Alaska,” Floyd says. “That means continuing to evolve while preserving the local relationships and community values that have defined Hammer & Wikan for over a century.”