Peak Outpost opens in downtown Palmer

PALMER — There's a new shopping destination in downtown Palmer, The Peak Outpost.

Located off South Colony Way in the main shopping district, The Peak Outpost offers a variety of clothing, accessories, and locally made products.

The Peak Outpost owner Collette Hand said their clothing focuses mainly on men but they offer numerous options for all others as well.

"I think it's going to go really well," Hand said.

Hand said the shop is a joint venture with her sons Son Nick and Tyler. She said it serves as a brick-and-mortar foundation for their clothing company, Peak Apparel.

Hand already has her hands full running her own business, Alaska's Harvest Bed and Breakfast but she's willing to help jump-start the shop and maintain it until her sons can take over.

"I would do anything for the boys," Hand said.

To further prove she cares about her family, Hand allowed her husband Joe to set up his own room in the back of the store called One Man's Treasure that's filled with an eclectic arrangement of trinkets and collectibles.

"It's a family thing all the way around," Hand said with a laugh.

Hand said they work with 30 local vendors to sell a variety of wares, including fishing rods, knives, and wallets. The store also carries locally made artwork and books written by Alaskan authors. She noted that she plans to invite vendors to offer community workshops at the store throughout the year.

"I want to support our local artisans and have them in here," Hand said. "It feels like a family with these vendors."

Hand said their new shop was warmly welcomed by the Palmer Chamber of Commerce and numerous community members during a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the grand opening held earlier this month.

She said that Palmer is her home. She said it's where she raised her children and where her husband served as pastor for three decades. She said that she appreciates the support they've received since they started, and she's eager to work alongside her fellow small business owners to help make the community the best it can be.

"I just want to be a positive vibe to downtown Palmer," Hand said.

For more information, call 907-746-3320 or email info@thepeakoutpost.com.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com