What's in a Name?

I was thinking of business names this morning. When I chose the name Wexford Girl, it was important that it be a scalable name. I first started making notecards, but I didn't want anything with "card" in the name, because (and I predicted correctly), I figured I would soon branch into other things.

I was on the bus this morning and we went past Beverages & More. If you were a frequent customer you might know that the "& More" means you can buy cheese, crackers, chocolate, and glassware there, as well as beverages. But if I was unfamiliar with the store, I would never think of going there for cheese. In fact, I know they sell cheese there and I still would never think of shopping for gruyere at BevMo unless I also needed wine.

Cotton Basics is a store that is forever condemned to just stock clothes made out of cotton. Radio Shack is named for an outdated appliance that people no longer even have in their homes. And doesn't IHOP sell more than pancakes now?

And then there are just plain dumb names. Smart and Final, what does that mean? Maybe they're saying I'm smart to shop there, but "final"?

The best business names? I think Target and Amazon are great; those names imply focus and size. I like The Good Guys and Old Navy; they could sell anything, and they're snappy names. I also like businesses named for individuals; Macy's, Tiffany & Co, even Walmart.

Comments

[somebody]

How about "Effin Computers" for a business name? That's one we'll all remember!!!