Polar Bear Gifts — Attraction in Alaska

About a week or so ago, I picked out some things and put them in a basket for the staff at Polar Bear Gifts to hold for me. When I returned a few days ago to pick them up, they had accidentally been put back on the shelves. Ariel tried looking in many places to find the items but was unable to locate them. She was not finished helping me, however. She talked to Ethan, the manager and together they worked to figure out who I talked to and where these items were. They later confirmed they were accidentally put back out for purchase. I told them it was OK and I would relocate the items in the store. Ariel went above and beyond to help me find items that I was looking for and even went in the back to get some items that were not on the floor. When I went to check out, Elaina helped me checkout and was very friendly and helpful. Ethan apologized and gave me a discount for my trouble. Ariel stayed and continued to help until all my purchases were made and Ethan checked back to make sure I found everything. I go in this store all the time while I’m here every summer and I had the best customer experience which is what I usually receive in this store! Ariel, Ethan and Elaina went above and beyond. You have to go in this store- they have great prices, a huge variety and the best customer service in Anchorage! Thank you Ariel,...

Two reasons for giving 1-star: The “Purchase $99 worth of merchandise, get a FREE ULU KNIFE” sign was very misleading. They placed tons of Alaskan Ulu knife right next to the checkout counter and the signs but when we purchased $170+ worth of stuff, what we got was a 1-inch mini pocket ulu. I got a keychain-like ulu!!! I felt deceived.

I already knew most of the junk sold here are made in China so we skipped those items cause I wanted to buy souvenirs that are actually from Alaska. I purchased mostly chocolate bars for 2.00 each to give away to friends and family. The label in front says “Alaskan Candy Company”, it was the next day when I read the back label and it says “Made in Canada”. Then I saw the same exact chocolates in Walmart sold for 1.44 each.

I felt deceived and I felt like I didn’t get my money’s worth. Worst of all, I won’t have any authentic Alaskan products to take home and give away as souvenirs. I was so...

Rating a 1. AT 410 p.m. today. I spent $120. THEY HAVE BIG SIGNS STATING "if you spend $99, you can get a Free ulu " (knife). I have an ulu !! I asked for a credit off my $120 bill at the value of the "free" ulu...which is $5or $6. (Not confirmed). I added that I am a local anchorage resident, and able to give them good PR to friends and visitors. The young lady who was waiting on me WAS NOT EMPOWERED TO GIVE ME THE CREDIT...SHE HAD TO CALL HER BOSS ...WHO SAID "WE CAN'T DO THAT." SO THEY STILL have the Free Ulu AND my $120. I told her that I WOULD NEVER SET FOOT IN THE POLAR BEAR GIFT STORE AGAIN, after reminding her that she/they LOST A POWERFUL POSITIVE PUBLIC RELATIONS...