"Public Storage. I'm familiar with the brand name and would trust it over one I had never heard of. I wish I could base the decision solely on the identity, but I can't. (I know, I'm a rule breaker) - I actually like the Extra Space Storage identity better, but never heard of it so it's hard to trust."

- Craig Johnson

"I am not familiar with either, but I choose Public because Extra Space is a bland appropriation of one of my favorite things in life -- the gothic face. And there's got to be some cheesy metaphor in there about how the bulging shape represents 'expansion' and, well, 'extra space'.

But if you want some real reasoning, I can't tell if the company name is 'Extra Space' or 'Extra Space Storage' or 'Storage'.

I'd imagine Public Storage's identity might look alright if it weren't in a stucco, strip mall context."

- Alvin Diec

"its a hard call. without reading the other comments, my reactions are this. public storage i feel like i am have seen and it stands out as more recognizable to me. it could be that its orange and other semi-related things are orange (ie home depot). from the photos they look more professionally represented. the green place looks like its a mis-labeled sports bar, frankly. like i expect them to have really good burgers, but i am in for disappointment.

that said...public dudes have lame stock photography where as BurgerStor™ has a proper photo of their "employee". This to me says two things. PubicStor™ has a bottom line to keep and its focusing on the customer anyway (thats what they said in the meeting at least) so they used stock...this COULD also imply they have a better system in place and could be more professional. Now...Bunz-R-Us™ have a real live photo of their chef which i COULD take to mean more personal service. But it could also tell me they are spending money willy nilly on making sure you know they've got the best burgers, brats, and brewskies in town, rather than making sure they have a sound, secure place for your stuff. Plus the picture of the place looks kind of bobo.

They both sort of disingenuously named, however. Public Storage is close to legit, but it still rubs me wrong. It implies to me that the public has a right to store their stuff there, perhaps free of charge, as an odd analogue to Public Library and Public Park. Extra Space Storage is ridiculous. It is a dumb name. They are wanting to tell the customers who NEED extra space to come to them. I read it as "Oh hey...Karl..look at this...we've got all this extra space...i wonder if people could use this to put their daughter-who-just-went-to-college's bed there while they convert her room into a huge closet*, or maybe they just have too many stuff animals. We...we've got extra space! Use it!." Point is, for me it sounds like they found a big room and threw up some walls, rather than them having a business plan designed to serve the needs of people needing..extra space. I may, just may, have just argued against myself. I'm not really paying attention.

My gut says Public Storage. But my gut likes bratwurst too, so who knows.





*this actually happened, sort of. my mom converted an entire room in her condo to be an extended closet.

also "storage needs" is so sketchy. what are you...hiding the dead bodies you dress up as clowns and have tea with? Blake, I don't think you need to store those anywhere! Please...stop the killing.


Yours Sincerely,

Joey Buttafuoco"

- cary

"ps...no one believes its a boat. just sayin'"

- cary

"Wow, I'm surprised to see the heavy outpooring of votes for Public Storage. I actually lean towards the "Extra Space" identity. Cary would you like to come tour the space with me? We can have tea..."

- Blake Howard

"you get me there, im in (but im bring my gun that i dont own to protect myself from you killing me).

theres probably a subconscious reaction for me on this since the one reminds me of u-haul and Home Depot and the other looks like Backyard Burger, only green. i swear byb used to be green. its apparently black now? whatever. they had green shit on their cups.

if you REALLY ARE storing a boat, the burger joint looks like it may have better access for such a large thing.


GO TEAM!"

- cary

"extra space! i like their branding better. more hardware"y" and manly. =)"

- mds

"Naming; Extra Space Storage, fairly fair but hey it's storage. Public Storage conjures images of public-transportation, public restrooms and public places; whichever way you look at it purrell should be kept handy.
Signage; Extra Space Storage, They've got this Sesame Street/Tommy Boy-Callahan Brake Pads, thing going on and I'm a likin. Public Storage on the other hand has got a Kinkos/UHaul combo that is okay if you need to bedazzle your resume while moving into a freshman dorm.
Architecture; Extra Space Storage looks more secure, which is good once you are a customer. Public Space Storage looks more approachable, which is good before you're a customer. Type A vs. Type B, and duel.
Photo; Probably depends what you're storing. I persoanlly never would like to look like a 1994 Lands End commerical. Though I'm not sure if Tony with the clipboard inspires too much confidence.
My Opinion; Callahan's Storage wins."

- Ryan Doran

"The multi-colored triangular flags make this an easy one...Public Storage. j/k

It's a toss-up....Extra Space started off strong with the logo and first building pic, but leave the door wide open for Public Storage with the last three pics.

Public Storage leaves a lot to be desired with the logo, but makes up for brand unity in the buildings and final photo (even tho' cheesy...but hey...they even have shirts that match the logo...gotta give 'em points for unity there).

So...add in bonus points for the flags and....Public Storage it is!!"

- Bryan

"The count so far: Public Storage 4, Extra Space 3... keep the dream alive."

- Blake Howard

"i go with extra space storage."

- Bryan johnson

"Wow, Bryan ties it up. Including twitter votes its now Public Storage 5, Extra Space 5..."

- Blake

"It is important to use Craig Johnson as a reference. Working in Public storage.."

- Alyson Sheppard

"Extra Space. Public Storage is a big, national company, and usually that means impersonal, take-it-or-leave-it service. I've never heard of Extra Space, so I'd assume they're small and local. I'd give the local business the first shot at my business. They generally have more at stake than some minimum-wage teenager at a franchise, so they take better care of you. Plus, it's one small step against the Wal-Martization of America. Shop Local!"

- Karen

"Plus, I like the retro-feel of Extra Space's logo, and they use a "real person" as their model, rather than that airbrushed, sanitized, oh-so-yuppy young couple. I'd like to kick those two in the teeth just for being so happy on moving day! Who's in a good mood when they're shoving around heavy cartons of crap? Those two obviously have hired help, and probably never had a zit in their entire lives, nor ever been unemployed. Or even broken a nail. Bah, give me the schlump who looks like he works for a living!

Public Storage looks like they'd give me a hard time about being able to get at my stuff when I wanted to - rigid hours or something. Extra Space looks like they let you come and go 24/7. And they look like it's easier to get at your stuff - all at ground level, whereas with PS you might have to deal with elevators or something. No fun when you're storing antique Coke machines or other unwieldy items."

- Karen