Big Alaska retailer

T F YOU think Al:rska consisrs I solely of snow drifts. Eskimos. and sled dogs, forget it. While it has all the foregoing, it also has been showing expertise in the merchandising and re- tailing areas that rvould put lnany to shanre in the "lower 48."

Plywood Supply o1'College. Alaska (suburban Fairbanks) is a good example of tlre progressive tliinking being done in the 49th state.

Founded in 1959 by Willianr C. Brand, the company is a classic exarnple of a firm outgrowing its narne. Originally. its primary function was

AL t W00 D structure (1) uses glulams, redwood and laminated pine decking, (2) Slopinq roofs, well-braced for Alaskan winters, and a clerestory feature handsome exterior. (3) Exposed beams and painted utility pipes give open, honest look to interior, which is extensively carpeted. (4) Unpainted, ready-to-assemble furniture displayed in room settings. (5) Live plants reach up towards windows above from planters opposite gondola end cap displays. (6) Fireplaces are, naturally, an excellent seller. selling plywood, from a one-quarter acre site which boasted a grand total of 400 sq. ft. of retail sales area. And that was about it.

Today's operation is very different indeed.

Operating from a six acre propefiy, Plywood Supply includes the four following buildings, all less than three years old:

(1) A retail store building, two stories and a full basement 64'x 162'.

(2) A door and window shop used for assembly and stdrage and for all window and door sales. 32'x 80'.

Story at a Glance

New all wood retail store in Fairbanks, Alaska boasts good looks and wide array of home improvement inventory annual gross $10 million, about 60% contractor, 40% retail strict management controls stressed.

(3) Contractor sales and general office building. The lower two levels are devoted to contractor and wholesale sales while the upper level is given over to a modern general offrce, 24' x 100,.

(4) A metal warehouse storage building, complete with a LodiRack system for storage of basic building materials, 100' x 2OO' x 2O' at the eaves.

Additionally there is an older, 8000 sq. ft. warehouse. The balance of the yard is used for bulk storage of materials and for loading and unloading trucks.

The company also owns and operates a retail store at the nearby small town of (are you ready for this?) North Pole. Yes, Virginia, there really is a North Pole, Alaska. Recently, Plywood Supply acquired an Auburn, Wa. facility from Puget Sound Plywood and is now operating it as Auburn Plywood Supply. It is basically a contractor yard.

As the accompanying photos attest, the new retail store is an interesting piece of design that would brighten any community in the United States. Designed by G.D.M.

& Associates of Fairbanks, specifications included the following criteria:

(l) To be built of wood products

(2) An asset to the community

(3) Interior design and displays that appeal to the woman shopper.

As Plywood Supply's v.p., Walt Kozie, notes with nice understatement. "We believe we have met these requirements."

The building is as all-wood as practical and uses glulams, lots of redwood and laminated pine decking. Sales counters are all wood as are all the displays.

The store has a total of 20,000 sq. ft. devoted to retail sales. Included are two complete kitchen set-ups, an attractive appliance center, a fireplace shop and an outdoor living area.

The retail store employs sixteen, including a kitchen specialist and an interior decorator. As a store service, no extra charge is made to the consumer for their planning and assistance. The Alaskan operation employs approximately 42 persons in the summer and about 30 during the long winter months.

Remodeling has been completed for (Please tum to pqCe 55 )

Long Dimension

Rough Dimension

0ther Douglas Fir ltems