Having recently returned from a Florida vacation, the land of boutiques, and, roadside businesses, I deem myself worthy of judging these places by their names.
Some words used in business names just bring certain connotations to mind, and, it can be enough to make me not go inside and shop.
Most of them, in an effort to keep from sounding outdated, actually date themselves even more in the process.
If your business is named any of these things, I'm not talking about you, yours is great, and, I will be sure to shop there.
Anyway, my list of terms to avoid when naming a business:
1. "Today's" - Anyplace that has to call themselves "today's" anything is likely stocked with "yesterday's", and, not in a vintage-y sort of way.
2. "Modern" - Again, methinks thou tryeth a bit too hard, to convince me.
3. "Classy" - guaranteed to be the sleaziest stuff you can imagine.
4. "Savvy" - screams, "I'm trying to convince you that I'm an authority here, and, I'm 'hip to the scene'.
5. "Swanky" - although it's kind of "retro", my grandmother used to say it a lot, and, I don't usually shop at the same places she did. The jury may be out on this one, but, the word just bugs me.
6. "Lady" - brings up quite the seventies visions. Break out the avocado and harvest gold appliances. Only the best for Classy Ladies.
7. "Tidy" - often describes something called a "nook", or, a "cottage" (both my personal shopping hell, yet, I hang with people who eat this stuff up) . Your business is supposed to be "tidy", that's not really a major selling point for me.
8. "Charming" - Full of either gingham, or, junk referred to as "gently used", or, "distressed".
9. "N' Things" - just don't.
And, finally:
10. Anything with a "K" where a "C" belongs - If you own "Kountry Klutter Kakes", I will Kut you.
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You had me until 'N Things, since I LIKE Linens 'N Things. For me, I would change that one to "And Beyond" (Like Bed Bath and Beyond... why not just call it, "Whole Freakin' House")
Also "Shack" (or worse "Shak")
When Radio Shack did it, they were the only one, but now we have Shoe Shacks and Clothes Shacks, and Computer Shacks (owned by Radio Shack).
and my wife recently pointed out the irony of shopping for a suit recently at Casual Male.
My least favorite? Adding the "e" at the end of shop. I guess "shoppe" seems a bit more quaint. (or is it "quainte"?)
I hate cute but non-descriptive names. My daughter, almost every year we've been there, asks me why we can't go to The Green Frog is Ft Walton Beach.
If you've ever been to FWB, you know why it probably wouldn't be a good idea to take her there.
How about trying to be clever - but not thinking things over a bit before ordering the signs. I give you a local gas stop the "Pump N Munch"
I know you need to have a potty mind to go there naturally - I live with one and I'm sure most married women do too.
(Laugh) I hadn't thought about this before, but you are so dead on. I also don't get "etc" in a name either - what does that mean??
Thanks for the laughs.
C
http://journals.aol.com/rapieress/Aweekinthelife/
Number 10 is the Kutest!
*smiles - spins head wildly*
So much for my new business: Classy Swanky Ladies Klothing.
As a practice, I try not to use a business that spells it's name wrong on purpose. It's one of my biggest pet peeves.
*sigh* 'tis true. With the exception of yours truly, Florida is beyond tacky.
Melissa stole my idea. I was just about to register the Domain Name and everything.
Me? I hate any name with 'N in it or that's so clever it's self-defeating (like a bakery near my house called The Local Bakery - people still ask "Yeah but what's the name?")
I was going to name my new business "Today's
Modern, Classy and Swanky Savvy surfing school N' Things for Charming Tidy Ladies, boy I'm glad I read this post save you me from really screwing that one up... and the sign is going to cost me so much less now too, thanks
I have believed for a long time that the people who come up with these appalling names should be required to answer a telephone using the name one hundred times before they commit: "Hello, Cards 'n' Such, may I help you?" "Good morning, Kozy Kanine Klutter, how may I assist you?" "Good afternoon, Sassy Classy Lady, this is Tiffani, how may I help you?" They'd catch on before too long.
Oy! There is a store in town that I love, but I hate the name- Kitchen Kove. It is to wince.
My favorite local example violates none of your rules, but is damn unfortunate anyway.
I speak of the fabulous Joint Boutique. I really need to find that picture I took of it.