In a quirky and resourceful approach to grocery shopping, Shelby Ellingsen, a resident of Sitka, Alaska, embarks on an extraordinary journey each summer for a massive bulk shopping expedition at Costco in Juneau. This annual tradition, which spans a considerable 20-hour boat ride, serves not only as a way for her and her fisherman boyfriend, Charlie, to prepare for the fishing season but also to support their family and community.
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Unlike the regular Costco visits that most people take via car, Ellingsen’s first step involves navigating the intricate waterways that connect her island home to the larger towns. For her, and many residents of Sitka, the ocean acts as a vital transportation route rather than the roads that the rest of Alaska relies on. “We might not be able to drive more than 14 miles of road, but boats take us everywhere we want to go. Think of the ocean as our highway,” she told PEOPLE magazine.
Their annual Costco trip occurs before the onset of Charlie’s summer seine fishing season. Given the limited availability of supplies in Sitka, they make a determined effort to stock up on necessities during their trip. They could, theoretically, make the journey in a smaller boat, but the space required for groceries necessitates a larger vessel. Upon their arrival, the couple often rents a U-Haul to transport the substantial haul back to the boat. This strategy not only streamlines the grocery collection but also serves as additional storage for their numerous stops in Juneau.
Ellingsen and Charlie approach this trip with meticulous planning. They tackle shopping lists not only for themselves but also for family, friends, and neighbours, picking up items that are either difficult to find in Sitka or considerably cheaper at Costco. Ellingsen notes that the trip is often community-driven, with people requesting specific items such as freezers, which are impractical to ship. “We always come home with at least one new freezer,” she stated.
The logistics of their shopping day are intense. By the time they leave Sitka, Ellingsen can frequently be found navigating through Costco, carrying an array of lists and progressively checking items off for each family member. Her routine includes loading everything into the U-Haul before tackling the next shopping list. At the end of the shopping marathon, they move everything from the U-Haul to the boat before embarking on the lengthy return journey.
Ellingsen recently shared her unique shopping experiences on TikTok, garnering unexpected attention. To her surprise, many viewers expressed intrigue over the breathtaking scenery of Southeast Alaska and the considerable quantity of items they purchased, including six freezers and large amounts of household staples and drinks. “Taking the boat over and filling it with groceries felt completely normal,” she remarked, “then you post it online and suddenly thousands of people are asking questions about something you’ve never really thought twice about.”
The attention surrounding her shopping hauls highlighted common misconceptions about life in Sitka. While some assumed that she needed to stock up due to the perceived remoteness of the area, Ellingsen clarified that Sitka is not without its grocery stores. However, residents often face challenges regarding supply—everything must arrive by air or sea, which makes fresh produce and certain items less reliable. She noted that there were times this summer when Sitka experienced a week without milk and that strawberries could be inconsistent in ripeness when they finally arrived.
Costco, in this context, plays a critical role. It offers products at a fraction of the cost found in local shops, allowing Ellingsen to save significantly on bulk purchases—a large quantity of tortillas is £8.99 at Costco compared to £15.89 locally. The couple’s bulk buying is not merely about personal savings; it is also crucial for feeding Charlie and his crew for the entire fishing season. Their carefully planned purchases cover a range of essentials, from non-perishables like rice and snacks to frozen pizzas, ensuring the fishermen have plenty to sustain them through the summer months.
Ellingsen continues to highlight how their lifestyle, which entails living in what is classed as ‘remote Alaska’, is not as isolating as it may seem. “Life here is different, but it is rewarding. Would it be fun to take a road trip on the weekend? Sure, but the challenges that come with living here are just part of the trade-off for experiencing this lifestyle,” she said, emphasising her love for Sitka despite the logistical hurdles.
As the couple transitions back to life in Sitka with a boatload of supplies, they are reminded of how fortunate they are to witness the beauty of their surroundings and remain connected to their community. Their unique shopping trips not only fortify their own supply but also embody the spirit of solidarity that characterises remote Alaskan life.