Residents of Exeter, New Hampshire, know they can find whatever they need at Arjay Ace Hardware—including a dose of humor.
The laughs are courtesy of the sayings posted on the store’s exterior signage. While the Arjay Ace staff uses this sign to promote products and special events, as many stores do, it’s with a bit of wit, thanks to one employee, Andy Grigas.
“We always had an everyday, run-of-the-mill sign that advertised X percent off a certain product, something like that,” says Arjay Ace owner Dan Jackson. “They just weren’t very motivating.
“About five years ago, I gave the sign responsibility to Andy,” he says. “I said, ‘It’s yours—run with it.’”
Andy did just that. “He started coming up with creative signs that had a little bit of an edge to them,” Jackson says. “He’s been at it ever since.”
The signs have certainly drawn the attention of those in town. Customers are eager to see what the newest sign will say.
“Lots of customers come in giggling to themselves and might make a comment,” says Jackson. “It’s really been a plus for our business.”