It can be hard to come up with the perfect name for your business. Some independents have seemingly taken inspiration from some of the biggest retail brands.
However, some store owners may be pushing things a little too far in efforts to imitate famous franchises.
From Singhsbury’s to Tesos Express, Retail Gazette takes a look at some copycat retailers taking inspiration from big chains – including some that have sailed too close to the wind in their homage.
PK Max in Blackpool
Mark Brooks said he used the name P.K. Max for his Blackpool fashion store as a joke, since his nickname is “Max” and his partner’s name is Paul Kelly.
However, he was forced to change the comedy name after being contacted by a solicitor in 2017, according to the Daily Mail.
Singhsbury’s
Jel Singh Nagra had to change the name of his “Singhsbury’s” store in 2012, after Sainsbury’s didn’t see the funny side…
Which became Morrisinghs
So after spending £350 on a new sign, he renamed the North Tyneside store Morrisinghs instead. Well played.
This Tesos Express store is pretty close to the mark
Shoppers could be forgiven for mistaking this “Tesos” store for the real thing, with the knock off newsagent’s branding looking startlingly similar.
According to Metro, the Surbiton copycat shop was previously named Union Convenient, before changing its name in 2014 to mimic the grocery giant.
However, it appears Tesos Express is no more, with the store today sitting as a liquor shop.
Vesco Express in Croydon
However, this Vesco Express store in Croydon is still trading.
The newsagent, which sells a range of food, wine, and greeting cards, does not sail quite as close to the wind as Tesos Express in its branding.
Something about this coffee shop seems familiar
Star Box Coffee kiosk found itself in trouble after Starbucks demanded it change its name in 2017, as it claimed it could “weaken” its global brand.
However, owner of the stall Nasser Kamali claimed he named the stand as a “red star” tribute to Marxism, making it completely unrelated to the global coffee giant.
Despite this, Kamali was made to change the name of his stall, and it simply became known as “Box Coffee”.
The Sellfridges that really sells fridges
If you’re after a new household appliance, you might want to check out Sellfridges. No, not the upmarket department store, a place that really does sell fridges in Stoke Newington.
The store also sells washing machine and cookers, and throws in free delivery too.
Fernando’s chicken, anyone?
Fernando’s chicken shop owner Asam Aziz had to change the name of his restaurant when Nando’s accused him of copying the trademark in 2018.
However, he claimed the name of his Reading-based shop had been inspired by a famous location on the TV show Take Me Out, not the chicken chain.
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