Threadless

Threadless Gets Physical
Friday, September 14th, saw the launch of the first store from the community inspired tee-shirt company, Threadless, at 3011 North Broadway Avenue in Chicago. The goal of opening the store was not simply to add physical dimension to the thriving online retail business, but also to create a brick-and-mortar forum for learning, discussion and innovation. To this end, the new shop is split between a retail space and gallery and will continue to promote “a mission to inspire creation and facilitate open communication across a global youth market network.” What makes Threadless the perfect pilot of the retail/community center combination is its unique design formula, which has set the company apart since its inception in 2000. Threadless is self-described as an ongoing tee-shirt competition with an open submission policy. Each week, four to six designs are selected and printed from public submissions, creating an innovative platform for designers to showcase their work. The store plans early Friday releases of designs that will become available online the following Monday. There will be only 20 designs available at any one time in the store, each with its own space and
LCD display.
www.threadless.com
-Kari Skaflen