Kentucky Businesses Start Social Media Trend Called ‘War of Signs’

There is a war in Madisonville. This is not the kind of war people need to flee or take cover for protection.

In fact, it is the opposite.

Local Madisonville businesses have engaged in a “war of signs.” Businesses put up signs that make fun of other businesses. The war has been going on for over a week with no sign of abating. More than 70 companies are taking part in the action.

The fun began when Taylor James, the owner of Clements Jewelers, placed a sign outside her store that mocked Workout Anytime Madisonville, a fitness center across the street.

“We kind of always gave them bullshit for taking our parking lot and stuff like that,” James said. Up went “Diamonds over Dumbbells” and the good mood skirmish was on.

James’ husband posted a photo of the panel on Facebook. Social media users loved the friendly jokes and responded positively.

It encouraged other companies to do something similar, and before long a real war of signs was underway.

“I kind of assumed they could write something back or comment on Facebook or do something like that. But I never thought, in a million years, that everyone in town would participate and that it would become so important, ”said James. “I’m glad that’s the case. It’s certainly shed a lot of light on a lot of businesses that I’m sure a lot of our community doesn’t even know about, unfortunately. Because we’re such a small town, I think it could potentially help people with business. “

Creative examples abound throughout the city.

“All the companies that talk about waste…. But we got the $ CASH $, ”says the First United Bank and Trust Company sign.

“Although the muscles are beautiful… .. And the diamonds are royal… .. At 24 Union, we keep you LEGAL!” Said the sign from the Hopkins County Clerk’s office.

“Keep your locks, rocks, jocks. We pour our hearts and souls into the deserts, ”the Poppy & Clover sign read.

“No chains. No gain. No bangs. No Baby Thangs. But we have “Stangs,” wrote Watermark Ford Nissan of Madisonville.

“You might think you are a witty crazy town, but it’s AOF who wears the crown,” the All Occasions Formal sign read.

While you’re legal, lit and burning… at MSU-MAD, we’re learning, ”the Murray State Madisonville panel said.

Business has grown for Clements Jewelers since the start of the war. The heavy traffic on the companies’ social media platforms attracted special attention to the store’s online website.

The same goes for other businesses in the region.

“It brought us together at a time when I think we needed laughter and lightness,” said Libby Spencer, president of the Hopkins County Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber of Commerce mediated the war, sharing all the creative signs they see on their Facebook page. One of the last signs to share on the page came from Life Apostolic Church, which claimed its “Sundays” were better than the sundaes offered at Dairy Queen.

As for the latest Clements Jewelers store, she started a game of noughts and crosses with Hadassah Hair Studio, a salon across the street. Hadassah Hair Studio has a sign in front of its store that reflects the current game between the two companies.

“Hopefully this will continue over the holidays,” James said. “That’s kind of the goal, is that we all kind of keep going for as long as we can and hopefully someone else starts something new and cool.”

This story was originally published September 17, 2021 6:03 pm.