Know-How Exchange : Taglines/Names

In a very similar situation, we just added II (Roman Numeral Two) at the end of the name. You are not required to advertise the II; it's strictly to differentiate the new company from the old company on legal documents. Customers don't need to know about the new name.

I'm a little surprised your lawyer didn't suggest this ... but then maybe that's why they're lawyers and not businesspeople.

Thank you for the response. A good idea, but I would like something a little
different to make it my own but still honor the name of Martin's..

If you are changing the name for marketing reasons or to put your own imprint on the store, then incorporate in the name whatever will distinguish or differentiate the shop under your leadership. For example, Martin's Estate Framing and Fine Art, or Martin's Fast Framing, or Martins & Co. Affordable Framing and Art, etc.

If you are changing the name strictly for legal reasons, then make an insignificant change ... if it is Martin's Framing and Art, Inc., then make it Martin's Framing and Art Company -- just enough to mark the point in time where legal matters changed, but not enough to lose the name equity among your customer base.

However, if there are lingering legal problems or significant debts, then make a bigger distinction, such as Jackson & Martin Framing and Art, or Martin's Eastside Framing and Art.

I want to make the name my own but still honor the original known name.. I dont want a cutesy name but something that will inform customers that it is under new ownership. Thank you for all the responses..

Goodman, you ask good questions that make you think about what you are really wanting.. Thank you..

regarding your goal statement, "..inform customers that it is under new ownership".

Maybe as simple as "The New Martin Frame & Art Co." or "The New Martin's Art Frame Co."

So what would be wrong with

Martin's Frame & Art
New ownership - Same careful workmanship

Someone suggested Martin's Frames and Things since I will now carry sculpture, pottery, etc. Is this too cutesy?

If you're selling framing for fine art, I wouldn't go "cutesy".
Have your name convey the right feel for your services.

Also, are you mostly selling frames (for the do-it-yourselfer) or are you doing the framing (of your client's artwork)? Martin's Frames" sounds like the former, while Martin's Framing sounds like the latter.

As for a name, why not simply: "Martin's Professional (Art) Framing"?

Thanks once again for all the great suggestions.. We dont work with do it your self framing. We offer handcarved hand finished gold and silver leaf frames that take 6 weeks to complete along with a standard line of framing. We do upscale and regular framing all in one shop. I would like to continue to attract the high end customers without scaring off other customers who cant afford a $2000.00 frame so that is why I didn't want to get too cutesy or too snobby. Just the right mix.. Certainly dont want cheap, fast or anything like that.. Thank you so much...