A new print-on-demand merchandise platform that includes a range of digitally-printed textile products has moved into production at a Greater Manchester facility after securing £350,000 in an oversubscribed pre-seed fundraising round.
The new investment in Merchr has enabled its founders to further develop the company’s technology, invest in equipment and recruit more staff to bring its offering to market. The platform is aimed at organisations and individuals such as charities, schools, universities and colleges, sportspeople, clubs and societies, visitor attractions, influencers, podcasters, YouTubers, gamers, bands and other artistic performers, as well as online retailers and entrepreneurs seeking additional routes to market.
Merchr enables users to create and launch a free online store through the Merchr Hub, where they can design and upload their customised product collections with artwork, a logo, slogan or an image. Merchr’s range of merchandise initially includes hoodies, t-shirts, polo shirts, jackets and hats, tote bags, make-up bags, back packs and messenger bags, power banks and earphones, desk and office items such as notebooks, pens, pencils, pouches and highlighters, water bottles, tumblers and souvenirs. Alternatively, users can connect an existing website via Merchr’s integration with e-commerce platforms such as Shopify and WooCommerce.
The company has offices and a production facility in Middleton, Greater Manchester, and a sales office in Elstree, north of London. Orders are routed via Merchr’s software to deliver print-ready artwork to the Middleton facility which is equipped with the a variety of digital printing, direct-to- garment, direct-to-film and laser engraving machinery. Products are dispatched within 24 hours.
Co-founers Nora Yassin, head of partnerships, and Jack Fox, head of operations, have recruited a 12-strong team of front-end developers, production, marketing and administrative staff for the launch, with plans to grow the workforce in line with the expansion of the business.
Ms Yassin explained, ‘Merchr was created on the belief that everyone, no matter what level of entrepreneurial spirit they possess, has the power to design, publish and profit. Setting up a merchandise store is free and extremely easy – it can be achieved in less than eight minutes.
‘Our team combines decades of experience with integrated technology to provide store owners with products and collections suitable for everyone across all industries. These can be customised, personalised and uploaded on to a new or existing store very quickly.
‘We are bridging the gap to make it simple for individuals, groups and organisations to sell their merchandise on a retail basis without the need to hold stock.’
Digital Textile Printer will be taking a closer look at Merchr and similar platforms in the near future; if you’re not registered for our monthly e-newsletter, you can sign up for free here.
