Reviewed by: Pat Byington
Yellowhammer Creative opens new storefront next door to TrimTab
Reading time: 4 minutes
Yellowhammer Print Shop has officially set up shop in its new location after relocating from the Pepper Place store that closed in January.
Unlike its other previous locations, the new spot within the TrimTab warehouse complex serves as a screen printing shop, warehouse and retail storefront, giving customers a glimpse into the production process.
The new shop, located in Southside Birmingham at 500 28th Street South, is a vibrant mosaic of Yellowhammer’s early work, current inventory and in-progress projects.
Exciting things are coming for Yellowhammer Print Shop — read on to learn what is in store for the future and about the upcoming grand opening event.
Linking production, retail + community
Owners Brandon Watkins and Brett Forsyth have been frequently asked by shoppers over the years where their products are made. Now, thanks to the new warehouse location, customers can get a behind-the-scenes look at the local production process.
“It’s always been a dream of ours to have everything in one location, so folks could see what we do and connect the manufacturing and creation of our products to the fact that we sell products.”
Brett Forsyth
The shop has already hosted a class of Samford University students to show them how to screen print products. This is just one step toward their goal of getting involved in the Birmingham arts community again. For example, they want to start hosting screen printing classes, and they’re back to taking custom orders.
“This space is going to be good for us because we have the opportunity to showcase other local artists and makers out front, in the yard and in the warehouse.
“It helps us get back to what we used to do.”
Brandon Watkins
Emerging from survival mode
As for most small businesses, Yellowhammer Print Shop had its fair share of struggles following the COVID-19 pandemic era. The team scaled down from 15 employees to a smaller “skeleton crew” to cut costs.
“The last two years have been survival mode, and now it’s rebuilding…
“We’ve been squatting in some other warehouses of other folks that kind of gave us a place to crash for a little while.”
Brett Forsyth
While many businesses are moving exclusively online, Yellowhammer is doubling down on the physical experience. Despite their digital presence, physical retail still accounts for roughly three-quarters of their revenue.
“Social media was really great to us for the first probably eight years of our existence. Instagram came out right as we were coming out.
“The last while, it’s just all gone off the cliff. The smaller folks like us have had a really hard time reaching the people that want to see our stuff.”
Brett Forsyth
Instead of fighting algorithms, they are focusing on becoming a “quirky” destination — a place that “showcases what our city’s about.”
As they prepare for their upcoming grand opening, there is a palpable sense of relief and excitement. The brand has found its footing after nearly two decades of evolution.
“We feel like we finally landed…We’re finally in a space that feels like us.”
Brett Forsyth
Grand opening details
In celebration of the new location, Yellowhammer Print Shop will host a grand opening event that celebrates the community as much as it does the new space.
Put Saturday, March 14 on your calendar for a chance to meet local makers, enjoy some food and explore the new print shop.
Stay tuned to Yellowhammer Creative on social media to learn more about the event as details are released.
Yellowhammer Creative: Website | Instagram | Facebook
Location: 500 28th St S
Hours: Monday-Friday 10AM-5PM, Saturday 10AM-3PM
What do you think of Yellowhammer Creative’s new spot? Tag us @bhamnow and let us know. Get more Birmingham news like this when you sign up for our free newsletter.
