“Big Orange” – it’s a common nickname and the color we’re known for worldwide. It’s the “Big Orange” Home Depot sign that beacons home improvement enthusiasts to enter our doors and start doing.
Before we landed our signature sign, Home Depot founders Bernie Marcus and Arthur Blank considered many looks for their then-nameless, no-frills warehouse store. In their search for something different, they consulted branding visionary Don Watt to help design a face for the future of DIY and home improvement retail.
The rest is stenciled in history. The team developed a logo inspired by crates used to transport freight, keeping in line with the “depot” theme. Stamped at an upright angle to symbolize success and christened in orange to help simulate activity, the logo has aimed to inspire more doing since its debut.
But, what if Bernie, Arthur and Don had decided to go for a different look and feel entirely? According to past name and design sketches, our associates could have been outfitted in green or yellow aprons. Check out some of The Home Depot names and logos that didn’t make the cut.
