Technology
Anchorage Businesses Deploy AI to Transform Customer Service and Shopping
Local companies are deploying AI tools that extend hours for customer calls, trim scheduling inefficiencies and cut operating expenses, reshaping routine interactions for city residents.
How we reported this
Anchorage retailers and service firms now rely on AI-powered scheduling and automated answering systems that keep operations running outside normal business hours. These changes mean residents can reach stores and offices at any time without waiting for the next business day.
The shift traces to the Alaska Small Business Development Center's AI Resource Program, which began in 2024 under Director Carlos Machuca. The program supplies workshops and consultations that help companies integrate the new tools into daily workflows. Local firms report that the technology handles routine tasks, freeing staff for direct customer needs.
Retail and service changes reach residents directly
Retailers in Anchorage use platforms such as Shyft to adjust staff schedules around seasonal swings and sudden weather events. The systems produce labor-cost savings between 3 and 5 percent, which can influence prices and stock availability that shoppers encounter. At the same time, AI receptionists answer calls 24 hours a day, a practice that became common in 2025 and reduces missed orders or appointment requests.
Residents in neighborhoods across the city now reach tourism operators, healthcare offices and logistics providers without repeated callbacks. The same automation supports air-cargo and oil-industry suppliers that keep Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport and related facilities moving.
Measured savings and local providers
Anchorage companies that adopted workflow automation recorded average operational-cost cuts of 66 percent, with some reaching 78 percent inside 90 days. Three local consultancies-Alyeska AI, Arctic Intelligence Systems and Northtek-supply the customized systems for oil and gas, healthcare, tourism and cargo logistics. Their work builds on the SBDC program and targets the city's core economic sectors.
Residents interested in seeing these efficiencies can contact the Alaska Small Business Development Center for upcoming workshops or request consultations through one of the three Anchorage-based firms. The resources remain open to any local business that wants to evaluate the tools.