Too cool for school

We went to the Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co. in Park Slope last month and it was closed again. I’ve always wanted to go into the shop ever since I saw an article about it in the Guardian in 2007, but I must be hugely unlucky as it’s always closed when I turn up! Incidentally, Creative Review, also featured an article last year on Sam Potts, the NY designer who created the Superhero Supply store look, so clink on the links to see more.

There are many of these stores throughout the USA (see 826National). They are all non-profit tutoring and writing organizations for students between the ages of 6-18. The idea first began in San Francisco, whereby the founders had to set up a spoof Pirate Supplies shop in order to abide by city regulations, as they couldn’t get a license to tutor children. The NY store, pays homage to this by also having a hidden secret door at the back of the shop. It’s also a great way to make it more exciting for the children.


The other stores identities are Echo Park Time Travel Mart in LA, Greater Boston Bigfoot Research Institute in Boston, The Boring Store in Chicago; Greenwood Space Travel Supply Co. in Seattle and Liberty Street Robot Supply & Repair in Michigan. Some of the websites are nicely designed, so take a peek.


Tin and product images borrowed from Sam’s website.