Supermarket chain Three Bears Alaska is opening another store in Sterling.
The Wasilla-based company purchased several lots on the Sterling Highway next to the Sterling Post Office and plans to open a store before the end of the year, said Marketing Director Jim Kolb. He said the property will include a full-size grocery store, liquor store, gas station and Ace Hardware.
Three Bears has nine stores in Alaska, including one in Kenai and one in Ninilchik. It also has a store in Montana. The first Three Bears opened in Tok in 1980.
Kolb said Three Bears is generally planning on expanding its presence on the Kenai Peninsula. The company also has plans for a store in Cooper Landing some time in 2022.
He said the Sterling shop will be around 30,000 square-feet — not quite as large as the Kenai store. He estimated they’ll hire between 15 and 20 employees at the new location.
