In a month perhaps more appropriate than any other of the year for zombie stories, the

today on a chain of hardware stores using the popularity of the undead to boost sales.

According the World-Herald, the nine-store regional Nebraska-based Westlake Ace Hardware's Zombie Preparedness Center is part of an ad campaign rolled out last week to draw in a younger clientele.

"In area stores, workers put up how-to posters ('A Human's Guide to Zombie Preparedness,' for example, offers tips on purchasing the right power tools, cleaners and door locks to keep zombies at bay) and handed out 'Zombie Prepared' buttons," the World-Herald reports. "On the company's website, 'zombies' was added to a list of store specialties, alongside more standard topics like 'fasteners' and 'Benjamin Moore paint.'"

Indeed, on the company's Zombie Preparedness Center website —

— they offer sections devoted the needs of both humans and their undead companions. For zombies, the store dubs its stores home of "Delay Decay Experts" offering "Equal Zombortunity."

"Westlake knows undeath comes with its own special set of needs. Don't let decay and rot slow you down," the site reads. "Westlake's Delay Decay Experts are here to help, with all you need to keep yourself in one piece."

Maintenance items such as caulk, duct tape, sealants and bolts and fasteners are listed in a section titled "Bodily Repairs," while air fresheners, carpet cleaners, cleaning supplies — "Just because you're rotting doesn't mean your home has to smell like it" — wagons and other mobility devices are listed under "Home & Lifestyle."

Offerings for humans are more along the lines of planning ahead for the possible eventuality of a zombie outbreak. As the site reads, "Don't be scared. Be prepared."

"The rise of the undead doesn't have to be your imminent demise," the site reads. "Westlake has the widest selection of products to address all your zombie needs, including home repairs, defensive tools and zombie proofing."

Home repair needs listed include carpet stain removal, window and screen repair, and regrowing trampled plants, flowers and lawns. Tools such as nail guns and chain saws are listed under "Zombie Defense," while items such as power generators, door locks and deadbolts are listed under "Zombie Proofing," through which you can ideally "Avoid zombies altogether by reinforcing your home against undead intruders."

You can also download a PDF of "A Human's Guide to Zombie Preparedness" on the site, and browse protective gear pitched as "Not just for gardening anymore."

The zombie concept was put forth for the hardware chain by Omaha public relations and advertising agency Bozell, and while it's too early to see if the campaign is significantly boosting sales, hits on the store's website had increase by 17 percent by the end of the week, according the World-Herald. (The campaign began last Wednesday.)

What do you think: Would you be more likely to shop at a hardware store offering a concept like Westlake Ace Hardware's Zombie Preparedness Center? Share your thoughts in the comments section below or email me at

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