The Seattle Traveler

Archie McPhee’s: Shopping or a Tourist Destination?

by Mary Jo on October 16th, 2006

Since 1983, Archie McPhee’s has been the standard for Pop Culture not only in the Pacific Northwest, but also throughout the country.

Located in Ballard, the store has become a quirky tourist destination, and is even a stop on many of the tour bus routes.  If it’s a rainy Seattle day, and you have a few hours to kill, Archie McPhee’s will keep you entertained.

I had heard about the store for years, but only recently paid it a visit.  It’s about lots more than shopping — it’s a destination experience.

The store is full of odd novelty items and toys.  It boasts having over 10,000 items to choose from, in a price range from 5 cents to $1,000.

If you are planning a theme party, you’ll find lots of items here to support your theme.  If you know someone who collects based on a theme (snow globes, rabbits, elephants, etc.), Archie McPhee’s is the perfect place to find a gift that will add to that collection.  There are also lots of fun little items for stocking stuffers, Easter baskets, goodie bags, and pinatas.  It’s quirky, funny stuff!  And if you need some fun party rental items, like a cake that you can jump out of, chances are you’ll also find it here.

Browsing the candy shelves at Archie McPhee’s was a little trip down memory lane — lots of candies that I remember from childhood.  There were the oh-so-politically-incorrect-now Bubble Gum Cigars and Candy Cigarettes.  Also:  the sugar water filled wax forms of lips, bottles, and odd little shapes.  Beeman’s and Blackjack gum.  Pixie Stix.  Bright red wax lips.  So many things that I haven’t seen since I was ten years old!

It turns out that there really was an Archie McPhee.  And it is his great-nephew-in-law, Mark, who started a mail order novelty business in Los Angeles.  The demand for rubber chickens and punching nuns, two of the company’s best sellers, grew to the point of needing larger space, and Mark moved to the Seattle area and set up his store front.  Originally in Fremont, the store moved to Ballard in 1999, and has maintained its quirky and hip atmosphere, while never losing its counter-culture roots.

Archie McPhee’s is located at 2428 NW Market Street (in Ballard).  There is a parking lot adjacent to the store, and street parking is also available.

Hours are 10 am-7 pm Monday-Saturday, and 10 am-6 pm on Sunday.

They continue to do a substantial online business as well.

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POSTED IN: Just a Bit Weird - Fun & Quirky Places, Shopping