Pirate Supply Redux

As tutoring center 826 Valencia prepared to open its doors in 2002, the founders – including author and McSweeney’s editor Dave Eggers – discovered that the space was zoned for commercial use.  In order to comply with San Francisco city regulations, the creative team decided to open a Pirate Supply store in the front of the building, an idea that became so successful that as the group opened new centers in other major cities – a Superhero Supply Co. in Brooklyn and a Time Travel mart in LA, among others – they’ve adopted similar themes with all proceeds supporting the non-profit’s programs.

Despite being their flagship store, the Pirate Supply was essentially begun on a whim and has been slowly developing its identity ever since.  Deciding that muddling through is no way to create a strong brand, 826 Valencia enlisted San Francisco design firm office to breathe new life into their swashbuckling shop.  The end result is a line of almost 50 new products that are fun, imaginative and something to truly say “Yarrgh!” about. Highlights include packages of Captain Blackbeard’s Beard extensions, bottles of Peg Leg Oil and vials of Sea Sickness pills and Scurvy BeGone.  This project has also recently been recognized in the STEP Design 100 Annual.  

[via TheDieLine]