Merch Culture

Hosted by Culture Studio

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Apr 2026

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About the show

A podcast dedicated to the merch game. We talk about all things garments, decoration, business, tech, music, and more. Hear success stories from leaders in the space and take away tips and tricks to build your brand; for the designers, purchasing agents, road guys, and dreamers.

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50 recent

April 28, 2026Episode 137 min

Screen Printing Master Class: How to Match Ink and Technique to Your Garment and Design

In the Season 2 premiere, Rich sits down with Tyler (National Creative Director of Product) for a deep dive into the art and science of screen printing. This episode is a practical masterclass on choosing the right decoration method—based on both garment type and design style. From 100% cotton and blends to polyester, Tyler breaks down how different fabrics interact with inks and techniques like plastisol, discharge, and sublimation. They also cover how to approach different art styles—photorealistic, vintage, vector, and all-over prints—and how specialty inks like puff, metallic, and glitter can elevate even the simplest designs. Plus, a look into mixed media options including embroidery, transfers, and rhinestones. Whether you're building a brand or refining your production process, this episode gives you a clear framework for making smarter print decisions.

July 3, 2025Episode 4936 min

Loans & Leases: How We Found the Money to Build the Business

Everyone talks about the wins in entrepreneurship—the flashy moments, the big milestones, the Instagram-worthy highlights. But what about the gritty, unfiltered side of building a business? In this episode, we dive into the real story of how we financed Culture Studio from the ground up. From throwing parties to fund our first studio to taking loans from friends and family, refinancing homes, and navigating the complicated world of bank loans, we share the financial journey most people don't talk about. You'll hear how we hustled in the nightclub scene, made sacrifices, took unconventional risks, and learned valuable lessons along the way—lessons that apply to any business, big or small. We also get into: ✔️ How a $45K friend loan launched the business ✔️ Using entertainment money to fund the dream ✔️ The $60K home equity loan that changed everything ✔️ The game-changing discovery of Amex financing ✔️ SBA loans, machinery, and navigating banks ✔️ Perseverance, trust, and the reality behind the "overnight success" myth If you're building a business, thinking about financing options, or just curious what it really takes to grow, this episode is for you.

May 29, 2025Episode 4838 min

Automate to Elevate: Using Robotics & Automation to Redefine Efficiency

Imagine a robot catching hot garments off the production line—no more physical strain on employees! We talk about our newest team member, 'Robo One,' designed to handle repetitive tasks and allow our team to focus on more skilled work. This shift not only boosts productivity but also improves job satisfaction. Learn more about our journey into workplace robotics and automated features in this episode.

April 17, 2025Episode 4721 min

Tariffs: Explained from an American Manufacturer

In this episode, we break down the impact of the latest trade tariffs on the fashion & apparel industry. Whether you're a consumer, an apparel entrepreneur, or just tariff-curious, this is the real talk behind the headlines. No fluff, no politics—just insights and firsthand stories from the factory floor.

March 24, 2025Episode 4618 min

Custom vs. Stock Merchandise: Which is Right for Your Brand?

In this episode, we explore strategies for building a successful brand, focusing on product development and manufacturing choices. The benefits of starting with core styles—trusted, pre-existing products—versus creating custom products, which offer unique branding opportunities but come with higher risks. Navigating domestic and overseas manufacturing options. Engaging with your audience to understand their needs.

March 10, 2025Episode 4522 min

How to Build a Killer Clothing Brand

Building a clothing brand takes more than just a great design—it's about vision, strategy, and execution. In this episode, we're diving into the fundamentals of brand building, from choosing the right production partner to the power of product sampling. We share real stories from our early days in the industry, breaking down how guerrilla marketing, community-building, and hands-on product development can set your brand apart. Plus, we talk about how the landscape has changed from Magento to Shopify, and why modern brands need to think beyond mass production.

February 25, 2025Episode 4425 min

What Trends Are Shaping Apparel in 2025?

The industry is constantly evolving, and 2025 is no exception. In this episode, we dive into the trends shaping the future of apparel—from community-driven brand building to experiential marketing and the resurgence of vintage aesthetics. We explore the emotional connections behind fashion, the power of exclusivity in merchandise, and how storytelling transforms products into cultural statements. Tune in as we break down what's next in fashion and how brands can stay ahead of the curve.

February 4, 2025Episode 4314 min

How Can Private Label Merchandise Transform Your Brand?

How can private label merchandise help elevate your brand? We dive into the essence of private labels, discussing how businesses can source high-quality materials that ensures top-notch merchandise to their customers, setting them apart from generic market options.

October 21, 2024Episode 4227 min

The Greatest Trends Shaping Retail as We Approach 2025

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.

September 9, 2024Episode 4124 min

Are Drops the Secret Weapon for E-Commerce Success?

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.