From handfuls of plastic cockroaches and propeller beanie caps to Squeak Nuns and Voodoo Dolls, browsing through their catalog of strange delights or, better yet, paying an actual visit to the famed store itself tends to leave one wondering if they have stumbled into geek nirvana.
Archie McPhee, the Seattle-based novelty company named after a distant relative of founder and owner Mark Pahlow's wife, occupies a sprawling new 5,000-square-foot location on Market Street in the city's Ballard district, a welcome change from the crowded former site that was only a third of the size.
The pair of plastic flamingo-filled trees out front are but a warm-up for the craziness that customers can expect once they step through the front door of the establishment that proudly proclaimes itself as the "Outfitters of popular culture".
Large revolving hardware bins and display cases line a bright red linoleum floor, filled with over 10,000 items ranging from 5-cent gizmos to a $149.95 gorilla suit. Even the walls high overhead are stocked with all manner of odds and ends.
Taking in the kooky atmosphere while wandering about the assortment of playthings is guaranteed to bring out the inner child in even the most jaded adult. Located throughout the store can be found a "Candycopia" section boasting Alien Head Suckers, Fizzies, Half-Rat munchies and other treats that bear little resemblance to your local grocery store candy counter. There's even a Wall of Fame with autographed photos of such notable patrons as Pee Wee Herman, Dick Clark, and Alex Trebek.
Pahlow, a native of Mansfield, Ohio, primed himself for future success in the novelty business by touring about Europe for three years after graduating from high school where he supported himself in a variety of odd jobs like peddling sweaters on the streets of Denmark while dressed in Viking garb.
Returning home, Pahlow began scouring stores for offbeat toys and trinkets that he could sell to customers who were in the market for something out of the ordinary. It wasn't until a move to Seattle in 1983, however, that Pahlow hit pay dirt and turned a mild-mannered pastime into the million dollar-making curiosity shop of today.
Of course, it's the very much off-center and irreverent print catalog that has helped attract a worldwide cult following with over 200,000 loyal followers that counts syndicated columnist Dave Barry and gonzo journalist Hunter S. thompson among their ranks.
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