There are two signs you see everywhere in France; from north to south. The originals are antique with flaked and peeling paint on wood. You see them in the tattier sort of town They aren’t particularly handsome signs. That B is pulled WAY out of shape! Yet for some reason they’ve became institutionalized. I don’t understand why. In their modern form they come in moulded plastic or with neon borders. There is always a sort of retro feeling to them but the newest, most chic shopping mall will still use the same basic sign.
I’m puzzling over this. I can’t think of anything similar in the US or UK.
These aren’t government signs. It’s not a logo. Nobody said that you had to comply with company branding. Yet, every time a small business owner opens a new shop, he says, “Natalie, we need to buy the weird oblong TABAC sign. Natalie replies, “Jean, of course, everybody does, I’ll order it tomorrow and since we’re also selling newspapers, I’ll also buy the odd triangular PRESS sign. Sante! Let’s go to bed.
Han says
The tobacco sales are state regulated in France, aren’t they? So I can imagine the use of a uniform sign for it …
Anneke says
Hi Julie & Joost,
I found out about your site this weekend and think it is great. Beautiful intro on the ‘why’ Joost. Julie I never knew you were such a funny and good writer. Will follow you with pleasure! Enjoy the trip. I wiil be moulding all night over the B of taBac. Love Anneke & Henk
Hanneke says
What About all flashing green ‘ apotheken’. The french Have 1 per inhabitant I assume..!
julierezac@btconnect.com says
That’s for a future post1
julierezac@btconnect.com says
Hi Anneke, hope you’re well. My head is still spinning from the changes but the camper is cosy.
julierezac@btconnect.com says
I knew you would know about this!