Blaines Art

"Normally i go out of my way to support local businesses and blaines has been my #1 go-to for anchorage art supplies for years. I know i'm paying more at blaines vs online shopping but it was about the experience - i enjoyed lesiurely browsing for something new and interesting to try, like treasure hunting. Blaines has a good selection and i've enjoyed the instant gratification of going home with a new pen or sketchbook. However, my last few visits have been unpleasant. There is a hostile, negative attitude in the store lately. When i enter, the employees stop and stare and it feels like i am imposing, like they were having fun and then i showed up and ruined it. Then they start pestering if they can help with something but the attitude is more like "are you here to shoplift? Let's get you what you want so you can get out asap". I am a browser - i have like a dozen random things i am checking on and no i don't want "help". Ruins the experience for me to feel like they're hovering and want me gone. My last visit took the cake - they actually asked me if they could take my purse. What sane person wants to give their purse to a stranger? I have never been asked to give up my purse before in any store, ever. I do not fit the profile of someone more likely to shoplift (i do look artsy, so maybe more schlubby than i'd like, but it's an ART STORE), so it's probably way worse for the people that do fit a certain profile. How insulting. The employee looked embarassed for asking. I said i'd prefer not and she left me alone, but it felt like "hurry up and buy something and get out". I got the message. If management is forcing their employees to approach all customers as prospective thieves, no wonder the place feels grim. If they're serious about loss prevention, management should hire a dedicated uniformed security guard and install a bank of lockers in the entry so all customers have a secure place to check their purses (and coats, and any garment with excessive pockets, logically - if i intended to shoplift i'd wear a hidden vest with big pockets, not put things in my purse like a child). Put up a flashing neon "NO PURSES ALLOWED, FILTHY ART SUPPLY SHOPLIFTERS (ps buy a latte)" sign to set the right mood. But DON'T make your regular employees play art supply cops - they are obviously uncomfortable about putting themselves in high conflict situations and it's poisoning the store vibe. Hire a security professional if your situation is that dire. When shops make it difficult for me (an honest customer) to enjoy a good browse, i simply quit going. I don't want to order online - i want to shop local. But now i have second thoughts about spending the effort to get in my car, burn gas, and then face the frowny face employee gauntlet while i waste time looking at shiny stuff i shouldn't buy because i have a ridiculous amount of supplies already. Like, you don't have to lift a finger to sell me on expensive art supplies, i will talk myself into it and i will talk myself into paying your high prices too. Trust me. But you lose my goodwill when you treat me like a thief from the second i walk in the door. Give up my purse indeed. It's a bad look. Management needs to rethink their tactics."

"My family and I have been coming to Blaine’s Art for advanced art supplies for years! We started at Michael’s but as you or your kids advance and need advanced/professional art supplies, this is the place to go! From the beginning their customer service is incredible, always asking how they can help us find what we need but better than that, they take the time to help you understand various Art concepts such as the difference between oil, painting, and acrylic painting or the various tools need for your art projects. The Coffee Bar is nice and it’s relaxing just to walk around and get ideas about your next Art Project. We have also attended adult Art classes and the level of professionalism and skills that they teach is well worth the money for these classes. 10 out of 10 and hands down the best art supply store in Alaska."

"Blanes art is a nice place to go for all art related purchases. I went there for acrylic glow in the dark paint. They stock the best brands like golden. The selection of instore stock is amazing!"

"I came to Blaines looking for pencil lead. I had a pencil from a few years ago when I was in college that used lead that was 0.3 mm. I had gone to several stores and they didnt have any. I even went to office supply stores and I was surprised that they did not supply that lead. My search stopped at Blaines where they didnt just have the lead but a variety to choose from. My trip was a great one from beginning to end. The place was interesting and catchy as soon as you came in. I asked about the lead and they walked me right to it and gave me an explanation about the options. And I had a friendly cashier. I enjoyed my trip. Will come again."