Honest Ed's, a thrift store at the intersection of Bathurst and Bloor in Toronto, has been a historic landmark in the city for decades thanks to its garish lights and cheeky, punny signs. After nearly 70 years in business, Honest Ed's is set to shutter its display fronts at the end of 2016, and a Toronto subway station has introduced new signage for a limited time to honor the thrift store's iconic imprint on the city.
Aside from the brilliant array of flashing lights, the carnivalesque Honest Ed's facade was best known for its silly, hand-painted signs praising the store's ludicrous deals. Those signs read things like "Honest Ed's a nut! But look at the cashew save!" Now, Bathurst station in Toronto has redone its signs for a limited time to include the same stylistic qualities, even decorating the windows of the station with brand new puns that reference the Toronto Transit System.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Retro Signage
- Opportunities for businesses to leverage nostalgia and authenticity through retro signage styles.
- Limited Edition Collaborations
- Businesses can attract attention by collaborating with cultural institutions in a limited edition capacity.
- Local Cultural Landmarks
- Businesses can leverage their proximity to cultural landmarks by incorporating them into marketing and branding initiatives.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Retail
- Retailers can incorporate retro signage and collaborate with local cultural landmarks to create authentic and unique in-store experiences.
- Hospitality
- Hotels and restaurants located near cultural landmarks can incorporate the landmarks into their branding and design to create an immersive experience for guests.
- Transportation
- Transportation and tourism companies can collaborate with local cultural landmarks to offer unique experiences for travelers, such as customized tours or special promotions.
