Question

Topic: Taglines/Names

Well Established Locksmith Shop Is Evolving!

Posted by ga-porcupine on 250 Points
Nine years ago, you folks helped me, so here I am again!

I own/operate a successful locksmith shop. I opened in 1991! As I get older, I have an overwhelming need to be able to exhibit my creativity.

Nine years ago, I incorporated a vintage soda and candy shop into my existing locksmith shop. As crazy as it sounds, IT WORKED!!!! I named the candy shop, "The Soda Station" because my shop is 1950's themed and heavily decorated with old car memorabilia. Y'all came up with a tag line for me, "Soda, Sweets & Childhood Treats".

Here's my current dilemma: I have been asked to vacate my current shop. (Building owner retiring and selling the building. New owner is utilizing the entire building, so I have to go). As I said, my creativity has been stifled the last 4-5 years and I want to persue one of my passions; dealing in really funky and unique automotive related items. Such as, gas pumps, vintage coolers, old water skis, vintage license plates, advertising pieces, etc. I also build industrial type lighting fixtures from old car parts, etc. My locksmith shop specializes in vintage locks and keys, as well. I attend car shows selling antique keychains, and vintage car accessories which will be prominently displayed in my new shop.

I will ALWAYS have my locksmith business, which is named "Lock, Stock & Barrel Locksmith Service". However, with the relocation to a new storefront, I want to take the opportunity to drop the candy & soda shop. I will still have a small selection of nostalgic candy and soda, but not the enormous selection I have now, it's no longer a priority.

I am decorating my new shop in "Industrial Chic" decor. Stained concrete floor, cast iron pipe shelves, 100 year old barn wood walls, rusty tin, explosion-proof light fixtures & gas station enameled light fixtures, etc.

I want to lose the having 2 separate business names and incorporate everything into one "name". My best idea to date is:
Lock, Stock & Barrel Locksmith and Mercantile.
However, everyone I ask says they don't think "mercantile" will be well understood, or received.

I like words like: retro, relics, hotrod, vintage, cool, etc.

Any ideas?

Also, my landlord pays for my lighted sign on the building and he will only allow me 1-3 words. I had already decided to not use the full business name on the sign, in order to get a larger exposure, so I was just going with the words, "Locksmith & __________", that's where I thought of "mercantile". So, aside from a catchy "name" I need a 1-2 word phrase to go along with locksmith on my outdoor sign. I don't ask for much! :)

You folks are awesome! Let the ideas rip! I can't wait!

Thanks!
Melanie
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RESPONSES

  • Posted by Mike Steffes on Accepted
    "Locksmith & Retro Parts"

    Your window displays will show people the mix. I wouldn't lock yourself into only car parts, as it sounds like you have wider interests than just that area.
  • Posted by Jay Hamilton-Roth on Accepted
    Locksmith & Vintage Nostalgia
    Locksmith & Vintage Curios
  • Posted by ga-porcupine on Author
    Mike, you are correction saying that I have a wider interest. That is why I was looking at "mercantile". To me, that covers a wide array of product type. However, like I said, the friends that I run it by are saying that most people have no idea what mercantile means. Therefore, looking for a catchy name or word to flow with "Lock, Stock & Barrel Locksmith and ________________. Thanks for your input.
  • Posted by Shelley Ryan on Moderator
    Hi Everyone,

    I am closing this question since there hasn't been much recent activity.

    Thanks for participating!

    Shelley
    MarketingProfs

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