An oasis in the homogenous US cities desert

If you have taken a road trip across the US or visited a number of American cities. You will notice a lot of similarities. The weather and landscape might change across cities but BIG corporation have made sure that there is certain amount of homogenization in these cities. One can see the same Taco Bells, McDonald's and other fast food joints, same stores, menus and even the same structures. The same grocery and clothing chain like Walmart and JC Penny.

The corporation might debate that the idea behind the generalization is not to confuse the general public but they have tossed out creativity and innovations in the process. Forget the stores may be a little creativity can go long way in design the store signs and store structure.

Couple of days back I came across couple of unique and funky looking stores in Austin. The stores and signs went very well with the city slogan of - Keep Austin Weird. I just couldn't help admiring their creativity and some reminded me of some great stories. Another interesting part is all these stores are located on the same street.

1. Genie Car Wash - The sign is very inviting.



2. Ichiban - Japanese restaurant. This reminded me of FRIENDS episode - Joey's Japanese ad



3. The Lightbulb Shop - I will let the sign and the store do the talking.





4. Hey Cupcake - the giant cupcake is rotating too :-)



5. Atomic Tatoo - their art speaks so loudly about their work :-)



6. Icehouse - you can't get more Texan than this



7. Clay House Studio



8. Plumbing Supply Store




If these stores can do it. Hopefully others can give creativity a thought too.