“We are the all-weather outfitter for Alaska, specializing in winter gear, outdoor gear, and work boots, and we’re one of the largest Carhartt dealers in the western United States,” explains co-owner and CEO Jessica Rostad. “We’ve got everything you need to enjoy Alaska.”
In addition to two locations in Anchorage, two in Fairbanks, and one in Kodiak, Big Ray’s also does online and catalog sales.
“We’ve been producing a catalog since the early ‘50s, and we still send out copies to roughly 25,000 PO boxes in Alaskan villages,” says Rostad. “Another large component of our business is corporate sales, providing fire-resistant clothing, personal protection equipment (PPE), and more to the mining, oil, and construction industries. We offer embroidery and customization as well.”
Rostad credits Big Ray’s success to being “Alaska born and raised,” which provides the needed knowledge to outfit the state. “We’re proud of the fact that we live here, recreate here, and know the products locals need,” she says.
Rostad credits GCI with knowing what their business needs, as well, and has worked with the company for the past twenty years through every phase of expansion.
“Because we have five stores statewide, the phones and internet are vital for communicating with our fellow team members,” she says. “We are constantly calling the other stores to check on inventory and availability of products and transferring goods throughout the state daily. Intercommunication is vital, and we couldn’t do this without GCI.”
She adds, “GCI provides fantastic customer service and really takes care of us.”
