Entry No. 20 — the Anchorage file — filed under: records
Penny Royalty
A vintage clothing, jewelry and art boutique founded in 2021 by Nessa Nouveau, tucked across from the Bear Tooth Theatrepub. It runs as a cooperative where about a dozen local women artists sell their work, and it hosts fashion shows spotlighting local designers, bands and artists.
The story
Nessa Nouveau launched Penny Royalty in 2019 out of a sheer knack for pulling gem-quality garments out of thrift store clutter. When rent tripled at her original south Anchorage storefront, she didn't fold—she pivoted, relocating in 2021 to a compact Spenard footprint right across W 27th Avenue from the Bear Tooth Theatrepub.
Instead of running a standard retail outfit, Nouveau set up Penny Royalty as a cooperative hub, sharing counter space and clothing racks with about a dozen local women artists. The inventory swings between hand-curated vintage fits, interior knickknacks, upcycled garments, and local handmade jewelry. Between retail shifts, Nouveau uses the brand to orchestrate local runway fashion shows, pairing Alaskan designers with live bands and visual artists to turn thrifted apparel into community showcases.
What it's like
Expect a compact, tightly packed storefront where you can easily lose half an hour digging through racks of retro coats, upcycled fashion, and handmade jewelry. The shop keeps short afternoon windows—roughly 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday (opening at noon on Thursdays) while staying locked on Sundays—so do not show up early expecting an open door. Stock turns over constantly through the rotating collective of makers. Parking on W 27th Avenue is shared with the Bear Tooth, meaning spots evaporate quickly on late afternoon weekends; hit the shop on a weekday afternoon if you prefer to skip circling the block.
The move: Hunt for vintage fits and local-made jewelry as a pair, then walk across the street to the Bear Tooth for a movie-and-a-beer to round out the night.
📍 Before you go It is a compact storefront in Spenard, on W 27th Ave just off Spenard Road, easy to roll past, so use the Bear Tooth Theatrepub directly opposite as your landmark and aim for that block. Street and small-lot parking is shared with the busy Bear Tooth, so it can get tight on weekend evenings; arrive a little early. The shop keeps short afternoon-into-early-evening hours and is closed Sundays, so weekday afternoons or Saturday are your window (confirm before driving over). Because it runs as a cooperative of rotating local makers, the stock turns over often, no two visits look alike. Pair it with a movie or pint across the street.
- 📍 Spenard
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Low-key
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 1241 W 27th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99503
Hours: Roughly Mon-Sat afternoons (about 2-6pm; Thu from noon), closed Sundays. Hours vary; call 907-891-0058.
Pair it with
- Bear Tooth Theatrepub — Cross W 27th Avenue right after browsing the racks to catch an indie film with a pizza and house brewed beer.
- Dos Manos Gallery — Walk a tenth of a mile to continue your local art hunt across two floors of works by over 100 Alaskan creators.
- "Spen" — the Spam Can & Raven Sculpture — Take a short stroll around the corner to snap a photo with Spenard's giant bronze Spam can sculpture.
- Spenard's Neon Palm Tree — Head two blocks down Spenard Road to view the 33-foot steel palm tree left behind by a 1960s tiki hotel.
Good to know
What are Penny Royalty's hours?
The shop generally opens Monday through Saturday afternoons from roughly 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. (Thursdays open early at noon) and is closed Sundays. Call 907-891-0058 to confirm hours before heading over.
Where is the shop located in Spenard?
It sits at 1241 W 27th Ave, directly across the street from the Bear Tooth Theatrepub.
How does the cooperative work?
Founder Nessa Nouveau operates the storefront alongside about a dozen local women artists and makers who sell their own vintage clothing, art, and handmade jewelry in the space.
Does Penny Royalty host events?
Yes, Penny Royalty puts on local fashion shows spotlighting Anchorage designers, musicians, and visual artists.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Instagram · Yelp · alaskabyalaskans.com · Reddit
last checked: 2026-06-06