Anchorage landmark store closes after 87 years of operation
ANCHORAGE - Kimball's Dry Goods Store, a landmark among Anchorage businesses, closed last month after 87 years of operation in downtown Anchorage and a century in Alaska.
The original Kimball's Dry Goods Store was founded in 1902, according to Carl Andresen, the grandson of founders Irwing and Della Kimball. He said the Kimballs and their store were in Seward, Kodiak and LaTouche before settling in Anchorage. Kimball's storefront, at 500 W. 5th Ave., opened in 1915.
Decema Kimball Andresen Slawson inherited the store from her parents in 1958 and worked there until her death in February at age 95.
The Anchorage Town Square was built around the store, and in 1986 Kimball's was added to the National Register of Historic Places. A sale of the space is being negotiated.