I decided to swing by here after finishing up errands for the day to see what hidden treasures I could find in their vinyl collection and boy did I find some! Pack Rat Antiques is located at the old Title Wave Books building off the intersection of Fireweed and Spenard behind Chilkoot Charlie's. The store is massive with many sections divided up into a co-op of different dealers on two levels. Items such as period clothing, military memorabilia, Alaskana such as Iditarod memorabilia, costume jewelry, classic furniture pieces, toys, old books, and yes, vinyl records can be found in the various booths throughout. The employees here are friendly and very knowledgeable about the items they had on display. One of the employees behind the counter said there were two areas I could find vinyl which were both located on the first floor. The first area was beside the aisle going towards the staircases up to the second floor. Here there was a good amount of vinyl displayed on a stand-up shelf with an additional metal rack filled with clearance vinyl behind it. The second area was a smaller stack of records on the left side of the aisle away from the main counter. These were a collection of local musicians and storytellers from Anchorage circa 1960's-70's. One item caught my eye which was the complete narration of the Good Friday Earthquake of 1964 which was only $2 and a great historical piece for my record collection. The other items were also notable with the one standing out was Synchronicity by the Police. While this album was their best known with hits like Every Breath You Take and King of Pain, it wasn't necessarily rare. What did make this album special was that this came from the estate of Byron Birdsall, one of Alaska's best known artists for his paintings of wildlife who passed away in December of 2016. I quickly snatched this up along with Van Halen's second album and Bob Seger & The Bullet Band's Night Moves. The albums were priced at a few dollars more than most thrift shops, but the selection of LPs from the 70's and 80's are plentiful here. The bulk of vinyl records found in thrift stores are largely from not very well-known artists from past decades as well as significant wear and tear on the covers or the record itself. However, one album that is priced here may randomly end up at a secondhand store for a lot less, but that is never guaranteed no matter how many times you go. This just proves that you never know what you may come across. read more

See all

VERY overpriced. Been to hundreds of thrift shops and have never seen greed like this !

I've shopped here for many years and i've spent so much money at this shop buying trinkets, Fur coats, dresses, shoes, jewelry anything you could think of but after what i witnessed at this shop yesterday, ohh they will NOT be seeing me back. Let's start off here, there is one lady who usually works the front an elderly woman with white hair and glasses who is NEVER a ray of sunshine, always has an attitude, and has got a pitbull in the back that is constantly whining. The other is another elderly woman, smaller with short brown hair. From my first couple impressions of her she seemed sweet and helpful (looking back though she was probably just following me! ) and the other one was not polite but at least tolerable so i continued to shop there. Yesterday me and my sister were shopping there and there was a black gentleman shopping there as well for a little while like us. Later on, i was passing by him and the lady with the short hair, and I heard her tell the man "im gonna stick with you from now on" , when he asked why she said "because i don't trust you very much" . He was deeply offended as he should have been. He went up front hoping to get some voice of reason from the lady who works the front but of course she was bitter like she always is. He explained that the paper tag that they write their price's on with pencil had fell off and the other lady was accusing him of taking it off and trying to steal it. He told her what happened and he told her he was deeply insulted because he had spent 100s of dollars there before. She really told this man " you haven't spend 100s here" laughed and repeated it multiple times. She then said "you've shopped here before a few times but never spent 100s" As if that was his point right?? She then kept repeating to him " do you want to buy the ring or not " with an attitude like he had to either buy the ring or get out. Mind you, if he wanted to steal it, it wouldn't have mattered if he took that piece of paper that they call a tag off or not.. Bottom line is you shouldn't shop here and even myself as a loyal customer of YEARS will not be going back. The women that work here, own , manage whatever are racists! read more

Gave no complaints handing over my small bag to put behind the counter upon the woman behind the counter's request.... but then the lady followed us around the store pretty much the whole time we were there. After a particularly forceful "finding anything??" (though was just one of what felt like a million times she'd asked) we decided to leave, and as we were heading out the lady repeatedly asked if we'd stolen something. Very strange interaction. We'd just bought $200 worth of stuff at another shop and were prepared to spend more. Asked around and apparently a lot of people get profiled here for various reasons. read more

extremely rude from the second I walked in and left Within 3 minute. i had a small purse 4 x 5 inches long zipped, slung across my chest. I was told "my purse needed to be put behind the counter because it was too big for the store." I said "it's my purse with wallet, phone and medication in it and I would not be giving up my purse...but you can check it before I leave the store. ". One woman again repeated her statement ...then another woman from behind the counter explained/repeated around 3times with finger pointing at me to that note at door states no bags! I once again stated I'm not leaving my 4 x 5 inches long zipped bag with her. Both women kept telling me that I wasn't listening. I told the person I was with why I was leaving. He said he understood. I will never go there again......too rude and judgmental towards certain people. Our family is a big supporter of buy local. Mark "The Rat Pack Antiques are boycotted" read more

My wife and I always try to make a trip to Anchorage, to stop there and say hello to the amazing people that work here and make one or more buys i really can't say how amazing this place is. some of the prices are a little crazy but sometimes you find the most amazing things for a price you just can't walk away from without buying it. with the selection of good they have goes from comic books to cast iron to tools and toys i believe anyone who walks in there can find something they need or just want. shop LOC and keep stores like this amazing read more

This store is always full of Surprises and wonderful memorabilia. Every-time I go I find a beautiful gift and typically walk out with several other goodies. The staff here is very kind and helpful read more

Much to my surprise, not an antique store, but an antique mall! Rat pack is much bigger than it looks. Since it's a mall, prices are all over the map, since each vendor sets his own prices. Items really run the gamut. There are some really interesting items, including some Alaska Native stuff. I found a lot of cool vintage jewelry as well and kitchen doodads. Not a lot of old furniture though, which was a disappointment, but that's Alaska for you. All in all, a cute place that is worthy of several hours of your attention! read more

When I walked into the store it just had this feeling like," We've given up on our business ." The person at the counter was crabby, the area upstairs had giant holes in the ceiling with bags leading down into buckets to catch the water and it smelled like mildew. When I was done looking around I decided to throw a few bucks their way and buy a couple of comic books, but the grouchy lady (mannequin?) at the front counter frowned and said I should pay with cash since my purchase was under $5.00. I told her maybe I'd come back with cash next time and left the comics at the counter. No, I won't be coming back, unless I want to shop in a depressing environment. read more

If I could rate lower I would. I was profiled and harassed for no reason but that I have acne on my face so assuming I was a drug addict. They actually kicked me out of the store and when I asked why, the owner lady and her daughter/manager or whatever said "I can refuse service to whoever I want." Despite making sure everything I wanted I made sure to set it at the register for them to hold till I was done. So not understanding what just happened trying not to cry as I'm walking out the door they yelled "oh and good luck with your treatment!" Excuse me? I had more money just in my wallet that they make in a month with that empty store. No wonder why I was the only customer in that store who was about to spend 900.00 just on jewelry in the display case mind you! The stuff was locked up I could of possibly stolen anything. I was so ashamed like that's what I looked like to people was a drug addict/junkie. No one should EVER be humiliated and belittled the way I was in that store. read more

Earlier today I asked one of the women at the Pack Rat to open a case that I identified as Native American for her. She replied that the case was Alaskan Native not Native American with what seemed to me to be a snarl. I wanted to look at the Passamaquoddy sweet grass basket in the case. The Passamaquoddys live as far away from Alaska as possible. Their home territory is in Maine, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. It was the snarl that bothered me not the know it all attitude. Her partner who opened the case was no better or worse. They are two very nasty women, but the store can be worth a visit. I bought something two days ago. read more

They have a lot of antiques: early 20th century furniture, glass, ceramics, books, retro barware, baskets, metal serving trays, dolls, paintings, frames, Xmas ornaments and more. You could spend an hour in here your first time. Close to downtown and the ladies at the store are nice. read more

A few years ago I stopped into this place. I have a stutter and stuttered around an older woman who worked at the place and she began to talk to me like Porky the Pig. I was livid. This place has nice things but do not give your money to these immature people. read more

Nice selection of cultural items as well as bar items, and typical glassware, etc. Reasonable pricing on most items and pleasant staff. Lots of glassware, costume jewelry, and Alaskan artwork... read more

The older woman who was working the desk was beyond rude and had a very sarcastic attitude!!!!!!!! Prices way too high and basically a miserable experience based on the condescending attitudes of the employees read more

Great service friendly people. Store is well kept. Pricing is reasonable. Very welcoming staff! I def will be back

Decent prices, good selection. The sales girl (Sheri? Not sure) was nice and knowledgeable.

Excellent assortment, if you are from the Lower 48 then this is a must stop antique store while visiting Alaska. People are very friendly and more than happy to open the cabinets to show items. read more

The store is nice, there is a large variety of antiques but the help is rather unhelpful, especially over the phone. If you know exactly what you want or just need to spend a few hours browsing I would recommend going it, I would not recommend calling or talking to the employee, strangely rude. read more

This is a fun, surprisingly huge place for antiquing. It's like a flea market in the way that there are different areas set up with the content of different vendors. It's also like a museum. In another review, I've mentioned that I am not one for owning knick-knacks, but they are fun to look at. I couldn't even begin to catalog what's here, so I'll stick to what for me is the best part of the store: the vintage clothing area and the earring wall, both in the back on the first floor. Both of these areas are super reasonably priced, but I can't remember the vendor names. I think there's a second floor, but I didn't get up there on my trip. The next time I am amply caffeinated, I will go back to see even more. read more

Very cool place and from what I've noticed there is really only one booth that is grossly over priced. Most everything else is priced pretty fairly. I love that every time I go there they have several new things to look at! One day this place will make me broke!! Keep up the good work Pack Rat. read more

This place has so much good stuff. Some of it is quite pricey, but I recommend looking through everything and you can really find some gems.

I have been to Pack Rats 3 times now. I really enjoy browsing around and looking at what they have. There is so much that I always find something new. Some of their things are really expensive, but other things are cheap. It all depends on what you are looking for. I have bought a lot of things from them and they are still holding up and working wonderfully. The staff isn't the friendliest, but they aren't rude. I look forward to always going to this store and will continue to go. read more

A maze of antiques and vintage deliciousness! Give your self plenty of time to browse around. So much history in that store its easy to start reminiscing about the old days. Always fun when vendors put items on sale! read more

I could spend hours in this place looking around, finding things you want but don't need. My only issue is, almost every time I've gone in there, the staff are so rude. The young woman at the front desk with colorful makeup never made eye contact, was gruff, and overall looked unhappy to be there. It must be the daughter of the owner, because the owner is often the same way. Unfriendly folks there at Pack Rat. read more

Interesting to look through but nothing worth buying. The prices are way too high for the items they have.

I love this place! what a wonderful addition to Anchorage. There is so many things to see, but a great selection in Alaska Native stuff and vintage jewelry which I love to see. But the store is always clean and the staff is great and definitely knows there stuff. If you are an antique lover, this is the place for you. read more

Lots of stuff. Staff is horrible. Rude,rude,rude!!! I will go in to look but will not spend a dime of my money. I spend thousands of dollars a year on furniture for my home and business but NOT here! If you like being treated as if a bothersome, then by all means help yourself. I take my business to Lazy Dog or Duane's... They treat you better and are more than happy to have you in the store! read more

I enjoy the store but the employees are very unkind. It almost seems they don't want you there. I love their items, but every time I go in I get an unfriendly vibe from the workers read more

My wife and I enjoy going to Packrat Antiques and just poking around. They have great displays and the staff is helpful. We don't live in Anchorage anymore but love going in when we're in town. The place is huge and you could spend hours in there. We love it! read more

I entered the store at 5:40p.m with my 2 year old granddaughter secure in an umbrella stroller. The door opens out, so it was a bit of a struggle to get into the store. The woman standing just inside the door asked if she could help me. I was surprised that she worked there, as I would have thought that an employee would have had the courtesy to offer to help with the door. I told her that I was there for embroidered pillowcases and she said " those are upstairs. " The woman behind the counter spoke up and said that she had already turned the lights off upstairs and " it is 20 til 6." Woman #1 said that I had called earlier in the day asking about pillowcases. Then, reluctantly said she did have a few downstairs ( which happened to be within 5 ft of where I was standing ) She proceeded to pick up a basket from the table and PUT IT ON THE FLOOR AT MY FEET. I was appalled. I went to this Spenard establishment to support local business and the customer service was nothing but a slap in the face. She then told me where the stairs were - as though I was going to proceed up the stairs w/ my 2 year old to an area where the lights were off !!!! I asked her if the pillow cases would be in a basket like the one she had just laid at my feet - and if so, it would be nice if she could go get the basket since I had a 2 year old in a stroller. She said that it was a co-op and they don't move vendors inventory throughout the store like that. NOW I WAS OUTRAGED!!!! I told her that she was making it very clear that she did not want to do business with me, and that I was amazed at her incredibly rude behavior. She said she was THE OWNER OF THE STORE ( my goodness ! ), and that I could leave. WOW!! What an experience! Shortly thereafter, I was at Bears Tooth. I thanked the employee for walking me and the baby out to the car with our pizza and salad and told her that I appreciated the customer service - which was the opposite of what I had just experienced at the Pack RAT. Funny..... she said that woman ( we described her to each other ) that she knows works at the Pack RAT, was just there to pick up a pizza and agreed that she is very unpleasant. read more