French Plumbers Embrace Nintendo Fame, Draw tourists & Copycats
Rennes, France – A plumbing company in Rennes, France, “Allo Mario,” has become a local attraction thanks to its playful branding referencing the iconic Nintendo character, Super Mario. Founded sixteen years ago by two childhood friends, Jérémy Bouffart and a partner, the company’s logo and van design-featuring a clear nod to the game-initially prompted legal consultation with Nintendo to ensure compliance.
“We are two childhood friends, and we wanted something that challenges,” Bouffart explained.”So we played the game,being dressed in overalls and red t-shirt. We are very recognized now in Rennes.”
The plumbers have leaned into the association,frequently enough fielding questions from customers and passersby about othre characters from the Super Mario universe. “Some customers call only for that and end up saying us,smiling: ‘Ah! I was sure that you are not going to come in overalls and red T-shirt,you dared,it’s great,'” Bouffart recounted. “Others asked me when I arrived where Princess Peach was,others are looking for Toad… Some put the music for you when you are there,children take a picture of us while we work saying: ‘Hey! It is the real Mario.'”
The company’s distinctive vans have even attracted attention from asian tourist groups, with one encounter lasting a full hour for photographs. Despite the success, Allo Mario faces challenges including name and activity usurpation, and increased vehicle insurance costs due to the visibility of their branding. Bouffart emphasizes the importance of quality workmanship: “You have to be a good craftsman when you have a logo like that.”
Meanwhile, another plumber, Mario Metz, reportedly deflects questions about his lack of a mustache by stating it “ages him,” and intentionally avoids leveraging the character association in his professional life. Nintendo recently reported selling 3.5 million Switch consoles in its first four days, breaking a sales record.