Ballard Street by Jerry Van Amerongen for November 02, 2020

Nathan is the poster child for the obvious.

Private sign, do not read!!

Nathan gets more interesting customers with his ever-changing signs. People go out of their way just to pass by his store. He then engages them in conversation, finds out a bit about their likes and dislikes (and those of their families), then tries to orient his product offerings to their tastes. Business is booming, and his store has become a hub for activity in the town. He’s been able to hire and train more people and send his kids through college. (He’s also making money hand over fist as a side effect. It’s one of the rewards of capitalism).

Nathan is the kind of man who, when asked “where am I?”, would reply “directly above the center of the earth.”

Ah the Ballard Grocery and Handmade Lace Factory. And this week only a free doily with 3 cans of Tuna.

Nathan, your sign cries out for a follow-up!

No, I’m looking for a woman in the window.

This is not a grocery.

Yesterday it was, “You are here.”

Tomorrow’s sign will read: “This is not a sign”…!

I need a sign-PLEASE.

He needs to put one up that says “PRIVATE SIGN – DO NOT READ”

Nathan has a mean streak… without a period poor Albert can not move on.

Watcha doin’, Nathan?"

“Talkin’ to you…” ☺

Meta signage. A classic on Ballard Street.

Avoid signage.

It’s a sign of the times.