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.