Attention Grabbing Company Names

It’s true that off the wall names grab attention. Sometimes a creative or whimsical business name is just what a business needs to stand out in a crowded market.

Off-the-Wall Names Get People’s Attention

To begin with, if you’re unfamiliar with our blog, we want you to know, the Brandings Team almost always posts informative articles about great businesses names or products.  However, recently the Brandings Team came across this funny article about catchy business names around Los Angeles.

Our Team quickly recalled quite a few “off the wall” names right away.  The first funny name that came to mind was “Curl up and Dye” hair saloon.  Another name that popped up was “Combing Attractions.”

Accordingly, the point by the author of this story (peppered with amusing names) is that catchy business names catch business.  Moreover, he is also quick to point out that these funny business names can draw attention and generate interest in the business itself.

“There is so much clutter out there” that you need to get through, the author states.  Thus, one way to cut that clutter is with a fun and whimsical name or even one that is “no name at all.”

Enjoy the article.  As always, please let us know what you think and feel free to post your own funny business names.

Wacky business names in Los Angeles

Hammered Liquor’s and Mr. T Meat Market’s owners know that standing out gives their stores an edge. Offbeat, though, isn’t always good — or intentional.

“People drive by and they see the name and they come in and ask for T-shirts,” says William Eskanderi, owner of Hammered Liquor in Glendale. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times / February 2, 2010)

By Darrell Satzman (March 15, 2010)

When William Eskandari decided to change the name of his family-run liquor store in Glendale, he wanted something that would stand out from dozens of other, similar stores in town.

He succeeded. As of 2005, the business has been known as Hammered Liquor.

“Everybody laughs at it. They like it. People drive by and they see the name, and they come in and ask for T-shirts and caps,” Eskandari said. “I’m thinking in the future we’ll probably get some to sell.”

Not far from Los Angeles International Airport is another liquor store with a name that gets noticed, but not in the way the original owners intended.

It’s the AA Liquor Market.

Andre Habelrih, who bought the business in 2003, said it was a coincidence that the name was also the initials of Alcoholics Anonymous.  “The other owners didn’t change it, and I didn’t change it,” Habelrih said. “My name is Andre, so it’s a good name for me: Andre’s Alcohol.”

The Los Angeles area is home to a dizzying array of business names that — intentionally or not — have the power to surprise us, confound us and spur us to laugh.  There’s Abba Chiropractic (where they perhaps sing while adjusting) and Mr. T. Meat Market in South Los Angeles, Bad Burrito Productions in Hollywood and Angel’s Touch Dental Spa in Rolling Hills Estates.

A company name that gets more than a quick glance is not bad for business.  “There is so much clutter out there that you have to pick something that distinguishes yourself,” said William Crookston, who teaches entrepreneurial studies at USC’s Marshall School of Business.

Catchy Names Stand Out

Often, the best names are distinctive and simple. Crookston cites Apple as one of the best.  “It’s easy, you remember it, it’s almost biblical, it’s colorful and it comes early in the alphabet,” he said.  But business owners who try to be too clever can do themselves more harm than good, Crookston said. A company that tries to “get so cutesy” with a name, he said, can end up with one that puzzles more than it intrigues.

Los Angeles gets much of its character from its diversity, but sometimes business names by entrepreneurs from other countries lose something in translation.  In the Koreatown area, for example, there are restaurants named Toe Bang and Ham Hung Inc. and a book shop called Happy Book Store.  Jack Kyser, an economist with the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp., said names should shoot for appeal beyond its own neighborhood.

“You’ve got to be very sensitive and careful if you are trying to attract any kind of a wide audience,” Kyser said.  Sometimes a good name is one that is practically no name at all.  David Nagoshiner owns two stores — in Venice and Mar Vista — that sell T-shirts. Both shops are called Anonymous.

It’s a simple name, catchy, memorable and, just as Crookston likes, at the beginning of the alphabet.  But it has meaning beyond a business name for Nagoshiner. It’s his heartfelt tribute to Alcoholics Anonymous.  “Anonymity is the thread that binds [the organization] together,” Nagoshiner said. “The whole idea is you don’t want to scream your name too loudly or promote yourself.

“I think our name is probably one of the best out there.”

[email protected]  Copyright © 2010, The Los Angeles Times

Final Thoughts on Attention Grabbing Business Names

Update:  Wow, now that’s a funny business name, “Hammered Liquor.”  Even though we’ve seen this business name before, this funny name still makes us laugh.  The fact that we’re still laughing and have never forgotten this name, that’s exactly why it is a great name.  For some businesses, and for some people, funny business names are a great way to go.  However, these names are not good for all businesses.

Our team never forgotten this article ever since we first posted it.  Consider a wacky, funny or creative business name for your new venture.