In this podcast episode, we're joined by retail expert and new addition to the Culture fam, Rafael. We explore the evolving retail landscape, especially as the holiday season approaches. Rafael discusses the impact of COVID-19 on retail, the importance of brand authenticity, and the rise of customization. Rafael also shares insights on vendor compliance, technological advancements, and the trend towards domestic manufacturing.

In this episode, we dive into the concept of "drops" in e-commerce and their effectiveness as a sales tool, especially during peak shopping seasons like the holidays. We discuss how drops create urgency and exclusivity and contrast them with print-on-demand models.

We're joined by our in-house drop shipping expert, Jordan, who delves into the technical aspects, including integrating drops with platforms like Shopify, managing logistics, and enhancing customer experience. The episode underscores the strategic importance of drops in boosting sales and engaging consumers.

Ready to dive into an inspiring journey? On this week's episode of Merch Culture we chat with Tim Gibson, who transformed from a screen printer to top exec at a leading company in the printing industry.

https://usstandardapparel.com/

What drives the success of Next Level Apparel? It’s a combination of their family legacy, industry expertise, and personal passion.

In this episode, we're joined by Eric Simsolo, President of Next Level Apparel. Founded by his father 21 years ago, the company initially focused on sublimation printing for sportswear. Over time, it transitioned to developing fabric for fashion and producing stock blanks in Los Angeles, driven by customer demand for higher quality and diverse products. Eric shares his personal stories about growing up in the business and his decision to join the family venture, highlighting the challenges and pride associated with leading the company.

Ever wondered how to make waves on social media without spending a dime on ads? Alex from Streetwearhouse shares his secrets on how consistent, niche-focused content creation has catapulted their brand into the spotlight and attracted a huge audience of streetwear fans.

https://www.instagram.com/streetwearhouse_official/

In this podcast episode, John Koo, co-founder of Made, joins us to discuss the origins and trajectory of his clothing retail company. He delves into his family's history in the industry, his detour through environmental science, and his return to fashion with Made's establishment as a streetwear brand. The episode explores Made's niche in supporting young artists and brand aspirants, addressing industry trends like vintage washes and oversized tees. We dive into Made's nostalgic marketing and timeless designs, giving a leg up to up-and-coming artists and young brand owners trying to make a name for themselves in fashion.

In this week’s episode, we’ve got Daniel Oh from BTSA giving us the 411 on all the dye & wash trends coming up in the 2024 fashion scene. He highlights the growing adventurousness in color choices, such as lavenders and neons, and the demand for vintage looks achieved through techniques like potassium spray. He also covers the benefits of piece dyeing for bulk orders and the importance of sampling to navigate the temperamental nature of natural fibers. Tune in for an informative listen that touches on both the creative and technical aspects of textile dyeing!

In this podcast episode, Rich and Culture's very own lead engineer, Oscar, delve into the complexities of creating a product line. They discuss the engineering challenges, such as managing inventory data from various vendors and designing user-friendly tools for customizing products. Oscar highlights the importance of a simple user experience in product sourcing and the intricacies of setting up on-demand production, including the manual processes involved at the outset. We also elaborate on the goal of streamlining platform navigation and product information access for users.