"Downey or bust"

Downey California's All American Home Center (world's largest) has launched a 4-'color T-Shirt featuring their cartoon symbol. The shirt sells for $1.99, roughly half the price of equivalent quality shirts.

According to Leonard Gertler, v.p., "We wanted a design that would be soft-sell but readily recognizable as our own. In addition it had to be 'funky,' with youthful appeal."

It features the All American cartoon figure in a long-legged strut carrying building materials and tools. "You Can Do It" is emblazoned across the top. In the background a cartoon character is saying. "Did you know it is the world's largest Home Center?" while a second character answers "no kidding". A bird flying across the top is pulling a banner that says "Downey or Bust .". The only direct reference to the firm's name are the initials "AAHC" printed on the shoe sole of the character's outstretched leg.

In photo is All American Home Center saleswoman Lori Muriello, wearing the T-Shirt. The firm does not permit employees to wear it as a uniform as it is not consistent with professional dress. All male employees wear uniform shirts with ties and pants while female employees wear smocks.

According to Gertler, "the response has been overwhelming. Our first order was an optimistic 200 dozen. After two weeks we ordered an additional 500 dozen."