competition in hardware shops has increased significantly recently. they used to be able to attract customers to their shops by hanging ladders outside their front doors and putting hammers and screwdrivers in their windows.

but i've noticed another trend. specialist shops concentrating on the fundamentals of Do It Yourself and home improvement. shops which specialise in selling nails.

of course this fledgling industry is still searching for its identity. which is why these two nail shops have approached their window display in different ways.

neon or 80s fashion ? you decide which hardware shop to shop at.

i guess this is no different from Staples which too specialises in one of the smallest, inconsequential stationary elements. they don't even sell staplers apparently.