Chance Morgan knows a thing or two about band T-shirts — he was, after all, one half of the duo that made up now-defunct rock band The Burning Hotels.
But now, he has a new gig, opening a retail shop that specializes in screen-printed shirts and other goods on South Main Street. His store, Morgan Mercantile, will host its grand opening Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with complimentary food and drinks from Wild Acre Brewing, Magdalena’s and Hot Box Biscuit Club. Regular shop hours will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Morgan learned the art of screen printing while working with a small family print shop, beginning on a manual press. He started Morgan Mercantile in 2015 after working as a sales rep for another merchandising apparel company.
Morgan and his wife Kala eventually decided to open their first brick-and-mortar store to bring more awareness to their day-to-day business.
“We have established strong relationships with other growing businesses, and we try to help them continue to champion our city through apparel and design,” Morgan says.
The shop does not carry any of the branded products that it has produced for noteworthy local clients like Indigo Yoga, Billy Bob's Texas and DJ Ronnie Heart. But Morgan Mercantile does carry everyday essentials, including a collection of small offerings with the store's in-house label, Panther City Provisions.
Morgan Mercantile carries a collection of men's, women's and youth apparel, along with accessories and home goods. The store also designs graphic tees and caps with a nod to the city. While Morgan began designing most of the tees, the expansion of his business allowed him to work with other local artists like illustrator Matt Cliff and Anchor Media and Marketing, “who hit home runs every time we collaborate,” Morgan says.
“Today's consumer has a much higher expectation for quality and consistency,” he says. “We continually strive at both."