How to make hardware sexy?
This storefront stopped me dead on my tracks while walking around downtown San Francisco. It’s a great example of simple disruption at work. How to make something as boring as a hardware store stand out? Cole Fox Hardware in San Francisco did it by turning their storefront into an art exhibit and surprise surprise – people stop, pay attention, memorize your brand and walk in even though buying a hammer is not exactly #1 on their agenda.
Thinking outside the box and adding a human touch to what you do by simply having a little fun works. We all should do it much much more. Being too serious sucks and won’t get you fans. And today you need fans more than just customers.
When you walk past the store few times a week the novelty just crumbles, but I have to admit that they have done pretty good work on keeping the window fresh. Also their tiny building surrounded by high risings just adds a lot of sympathy.