Hatcher Pass Polaris opens second store

WASILLA — A little rain and cool temperatures did not stop the celebration Saturday at the newest location for Hatcher Pass Polaris. The retailer has been selling snowmachines, ATVs and accessories for 20 years in the Valley, most of them out of its original location in Willow.

But Saturday’s grand opening bash means outdoor recreationists and Polaris enthusiasts in the core area of the Valley have a more convenient destination for their shopping.

The new location, at 5953 Blue Lupine Dr., next to Alaska Sales and Service, replaces HPP’s former Wasilla home across from Walmart, where it had been doing business for four years. General Manager Chris Graeber, who has been with the company all 20 years of its existence, said the former Wasilla location was never meant to be permanent.

“That was a temporary location,” she said. “It gave us time to build this awesome facility.”

The new store meant the addition of four jobs, Graeber said, and the broadening of the staff to 18, between the two locations. The decision to add the second store a few years ago was driven by customer demand.

“We’ve been extra busy at both stores,” she said. “Customer service is key. We’re here to serve whether you’re a pro rider or a weekender.”

Reigning Iron Dog champs Todd Minnick and Nick Olstad were on hand for the grand opening festivities, which featured lunch on the grill, a live radio broadcast by rock station KWHL and plenty of shiny inventory inside a spiffy new building for shoppers to check out.

A premier sponsor of the Iron Dog race, Hatcher Pass Polaris was also recently voted best motor sports dealer in the Frontiersman’s annual Best of the Valley polling. Like the Willow store, the new Hatcher Pass Polaris will be open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Both stores are closed Sundays and Mondays.

“The Valley is know for recreation,” Graeber said. “We’re just happy to be a part of it.”