A year-round storefront for Alaska's seasonal makers

For many businesses certified under Alaska's Made in Alaska program, the customer base shows up between May and September on cruise ships and tour buses, then disappears. Starting June 1, those businesses have a new way to keep selling in the off-season: a dedicated e-commerce platform launched through Skagway-based Voyij.

The pitch is straightforward. Permit holders get free year-round online listings, and Voyij takes a commission only when a sale happens. Voyij runs the technology, customer service, and marketing; businesses manage their own store pages. The commission rate Voyij will charge on Made in Alaska sales has not been publicly disclosed.

Voyij already represents more than 400 Alaska businesses across 50 communities. Its marketing partnerships include BuyAlaska, Alaska Airlines, UnCruise, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Norwegian Cruise Line, a combined customer list north of 10 million. Reaching even a fraction of the 2 million-plus travelers who pass through Alaska each year is the basic case for the partnership.

The Made in Alaska program, administered by the state Department of Commerce's Division of Community and Regional Affairs, certifies businesses that produce at least 51 percent of their goods in Alaska. Permit holders can sign up at voyij.com/list-your-business and Voyij follows up to set up the store. There are no upfront fees, but participants must hold an active Made in Alaska permit.