Shopping and retail options in Alaska: Limited big box stores statewide. Numerous local artisan shops. Anchorage: largest shopping hub. Tax-free shopping in Alaska. Egghead surplus stores available. Seasonal outdoor gear stores. Shipping costs for online purchases. Alaska-based specialty food stores. Unique native craft markets. Remote community shopping challenges.
Limited big box stores statewide.
Alaska offers a unique shopping experience with limited big box stores statewide; the majority of shopping venues consist of independent retailers, local galleries, and souvenir outlets. These are particularly prevalent in port towns that cater to cruise ship passengers. For those seeking major chain stores, locations such as Fred Meyer, Wal-Mart, and Costco can primarily be found in larger cities like Anchorage. For more information, visit iExplore, which provides a comprehensive guide to shopping and leisure in Alaska.
Numerous local artisan shops.
Mt. Juneau Trading Post in Juneau is renowned for its dedication to supporting Indigenous artists from Alaska and the northwest coast of Canada. The store boasts an extensive array of original and unique merchandise, offering customers hand-selected Northwest Coast and Inuit Art. Meanwhile, in Fairbanks' Pioneer Park, The Palace Emporium showcases authentic Made-in-Alaska jewelry, gifts, and crafts, presenting handmade items by local artisans such as beaded art, native Alaskan apparel, and beautiful handmade baskets. In the heart of Anchorage, local artisan shops such as Blackbull Native Store and the 5th Annual Downtown Anchorage Holiday Market feature exquisite handmade Alaska Native goods. These shops offer unique local products and niche items, setting themselves apart from larger retailers and online marketplaces. Their emphasis on exceptional customer service and locally sourced products helps them remain competitive. For more information about supporting local artisans, visit Mt. Juneau Trading Post.
Anchorage: largest shopping hub.
Anchorage, Alaska's largest shopping hub, is primarily centered around the Dimond Center, which is the largest enclosed mall in the state, featuring over 200 stores, restaurants, and services, including anchors like Best Buy, Dave & Buster's, and a 9-screen Regal Cinemas theater. Another significant shopping destination is the 5th Avenue Mall in Downtown Anchorage, known for its aesthetic designs and hosting Alaska's only Victoria's Secret, Apple Store, Coach, and Michael Kors locations.
Tax-free shopping in Alaska.
Alaska offers a unique shopping experience as it has no state-collected sales tax, and cities like Anchorage do not impose a local sales tax either. This makes shopping in these areas completely tax-free, allowing shoppers to enjoy a wide selection of goods, ranging from Native art and crafts to souvenirs and high-end items. The convenience of tax-free shopping enhances the appeal of exploring Alaska's markets and boutiques, providing an ideal combination of cultural richness and economic advantage.
Egghead surplus stores available.
907 Surplus in Anchorage, Alaska, is a store that specializes in military surplus, offering a wide range of items including military gear, survival equipment, Tactical Gear, and outdoor supplies. This makes it a comprehensive retail option for those seeking surplus and outdoor gear in Alaska.
Seasonal outdoor gear stores.
If you're venturing into the rugged terrains or the icy glaciers of Alaska, finding the right gear for your outdoor adventures is crucial. For a dedicated shopping experience, Big Ray's offers a family-owned touch with outlets in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Kodiak. Their diverse range of outdoor clothing and gear is tailored to suit the specific activities and weather conditions of each region, all enhanced by expert advice from local staff. Alternatively, in Anchorage, Barney's Sports Chalet provides specialized gear for hunters, including the exclusive Frontier Gear of Alaska brand, ensuring that every hunting expedition is well-supported by personalized service and expertise. Foggy Mountain Shop stands as Southeast Alaska's favorite for activewear in Juneau, featuring a broad selection of trusted brands perfect for skiing, climbing, and camping enthusiasts. Lastly, the Seward Outdoor Store, being the sole dedicated outdoor gear shop in Seward, not only offers premier brands at MSRP but also supplies gear rentals and serves as a pivotal outfitting point for local kayak and glacier guides. For more information on specialized hunting gear, visit Barney's Sports Chalet, where top-tier service awaits you amidst Alaska's vast hunting terrains.
Shipping costs for online purchases.
Shipping costs for online purchases to Alaska vary significantly depending on the carrier, with options such as various air freight services. Currently, increasing shipping fees for Alaska-bound products are due to a tariff surcharge and general rate increases by carriers like TOTE and Matson. Although these increases may result in slight price adjustments for individual items, they can accumulate over time, affecting consumers' overall expenses. In contrast, ShipToAlaska offers the most cost-effective option, with significant savings compared to carriers like FedEx, DHL, and UPS for shipping a 20-pound package from Seattle to Anchorage or Fairbanks.
Alaska-based specialty food stores.
Experience the taste of Alaska with its array of specialty food stores offering a rich blend of local flavors and high-quality ingredients. New Sagaya Markets stands out with its extensive selection of fresh Alaskan seafood, ethnic cuisine, gourmet grocery items, and more, with the convenience of UPS next-day air shipping to the Continental United States. For those with a palate for tradition, Alaska Sausage And Seafood Co. offers expertly crafted gourmet sausages and Wild Alaskan Smoked Salmon, renowned for their authentic taste. Meanwhile, Summit Spice & Tea Company enhances the culinary experience with its diverse range of specialty teas and spice blends, complete with online ordering and free shipping on qualifying orders. Don't miss out on the unique offerings from Alaska Wild Berry Products and Kahiltna Birchworks, including Alaskan jelly, meats, chocolates, and birch syrup, each capturing the essence of wild-harvested Alaskan goodness.
Unique native craft markets.
The Charlotte Jensen Native Arts Market, held at the Dimond Center from February 26 to March 2, 2025, showcases Alaska Native artisans who sell and demonstrate their remarkable skills in various art forms such as basket weaving, dolls, beading, and carving. Most of these talented individuals are recognized as Silver Hand Artists. For more information about this vibrant celebration of indigenous art and culture, visit the Charlotte Jensen Native Arts Market website.
Remote community shopping challenges.
Remote communities in Alaska face significant shopping challenges due to logistical hurdles, harsh weather, and high transportation costs, leading to famously high food prices and limited access to fresh produce. Many communities rely on air transport and local, often tribally owned, grocery stores to meet their needs. The difficulties in maintaining supply chains in such harsh environments are well-documented, illustrating the complexity of providing essential goods in isolated areas. For more insights into the impact of these factors, see The Shelby Report, which delves deeper into how these logistical and environmental challenges shape the cost and availability of food in Alaska.