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Brainstorming Store Names

Discussion in 'World Building' started by A. E. Lowan, May 15, 2013.

  1. May 15, 2013 #1
    A. E. Lowan

    A. E. Lowan Forum Mom Leadership

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    Yes, store names. I have a trendy, artsy Historical District in my urban fantasy city of Seahaven, WA. It's filled with small, independent businesses, mostly retail but not all, many of which have existed for over a 100 years in some form or another. The bookstore, for example, is the oldest building in this oldest part of the city, and used to be a dry-goods store. Now it's Other World Books.

    So, I'm trying to fill this district with interesting stores, and my brainstorm is running out of steam. I have so far...

    Olde Curiosity's Gift Shoppe - my MC's base of operations
    Katherine's Retreat - a small vampire court and artist's loft
    East Meets West - Asian fusion restaurant
    Web Master Comics and Gifts
    Other World Books
    The Vinyl Vixen - music store that sells LP's and bribes their female workers into wearing vinyl outfits on Saturdays
    Glasshouse Art Studio
    Sweet Treats
    Bordeaux Bakery
    The Seahaven Public Market

    So... what else is there? What are the business names, what so they sell, do interesting people own them? Go wild - Seahaven is a very interesting place. I want at least 1 traditional Irish pub, but I'm having a hard time settling on a good name. The Historical District itself is about 6 square blocks. The theatre district is just West, the Water Front is 3 blocks North, and the University of Washington Seahaven is within walking distance.

    Thanks, and have fun!
     
  2. May 15, 2013 #2
    CupofJoe

    CupofJoe Myth Weaver

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    Artisan Jewellers - "Green's"
    Arts Cinema - "Ric's Place"
    Pawnbrokers - "QuickCash"
    Boutique Hairdresser - "No running with Scissors"
    Er... now my brain hurts...
     
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  3. May 15, 2013 #3
    Guru Coyote

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    Go Wild - outdoor supply
    Cargo Cult - ethnic clothes (also consider Kargo Kult)
    Rainbow's End - could be an Irish Pub, maybe
    Thirty Silver and a Kiss - goth/occult supply
    Float Some - thrift store

    ok, I guess I could go on. Does it show that I tend to Geame Mater on-the-fly?
     
    A. E. Lowan likes this.
  4. May 15, 2013 #4
    Alexandra

    Alexandra Closed Account

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    Pieces of Silver - Lawyer specializing in lawsuits
    Roads Less Travelled - travel agency specializing in exotic destinations
    Fields of Dreams - garden supplies, landscaping
    Flickering Bulbs - movie theatre
    Let Down Your Hair - hair stylist
    Howling At the Moon - debating society and dinner theatre
     
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  5. May 15, 2013 #5
    ThinkerX

    ThinkerX Myth Weaver

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    Freds Fix-it Shop - standard auto shop
    General Merchandise - not public, always seems locked up, gets truck traffic at odd hours
    Jakes Janitorial - noted for on the spot hires with no background checks
    2-2 Club ('Second Stop, Second Floor') - bar / strip joint
     
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  6. May 17, 2013 #6
    A. E. Lowan

    A. E. Lowan Forum Mom Leadership

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    Thank you guys all so much for your suggestions! I can definitely use these both in the Historical District and the area surrounding it. It's much appreciated!
     
  7. May 17, 2013 #7
    LadyKatina

    LadyKatina Dreamer

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    Sacred Grounds - new age cafe and tea shoppe, where of course everything's fair trade and organic, and the tisanes might have a little something extra.
    Wild 'n Woolly - yarn/knitting supplies/handmade stuffs. I'm picturing a proprietress like an aging hippy version of Granny from Once Upon a Time. Sweet, sassy, short grey hair and excellent aim with a crossbow.
    Meat at Joe's - either a barbecue place, or a gourmet hot dog stand. Joe is a large bald guy with an excellent palate and a lot of tattoos.
     
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  8. May 18, 2013 #8
    Guru Coyote

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    The Tea Leave - caffee / tea shop catering as a retreat for stressed out business types
     
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  9. May 18, 2013 #9
    Guru Coyote

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    Sam's SIMs - mobile phone store (and internet cafe)
    Fear Pressure - horror themes cinema and community lounge, often the place of readings and some writing groups.
    Happy Eva’s After-hours - cocktail bar, well known for its Happy Hour specials
    The Cock's Tail - ok, this bar is actually more reputable than one might think. There is a friendly rivalry between its proprietor, Adam, and Eva of Happy Eva's for the best cocktails in town. (There is a rumor that Adam and Eva are an item, but you know...)
     
    Last edited: May 18, 2013
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  10. May 18, 2013 #10
    Guru Coyote

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    Dormant Subway - club with the motto: ice, Bank, Mice, Elf.
     
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  11. May 19, 2013 #11
    A. E. Lowan

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    Guru, you totally cracked me up! :)
     
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  12. May 19, 2013 #12
    Sparkie

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    @Guru: Wow.
     
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  13. May 19, 2013 #13
    Guru Coyote

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    Guru takes a bow, feeling all strung up by the p-raise.
     
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