Central Saloon’s merch revenue grows by 500% with in-house printing

Screen printing was brought in-house

Two years after bringing screen-printing production in-house, the Central Saloon – Seattle’s oldest bar and the legendary birthplace of Grunge – is seeing the long-term benefits of taking control of its merchandise operation, with apparel revenue increasing by more than 500%.

Located in Pioneer Square, the Central Saloon has been part of music history since Nirvana played its first Seattle show there in 1988. While the venue has continued to support emerging bands on stage, its decision in 2024 to invest in a professional in-house screen-printing setup has transformed its approach to merchandising offstage.

Previously reliant on outsourced production, the saloon faced long lead times and inconsistent inventory. By installing a full Vastex screen-printing shop and completing on-site training, staff gained the ability to design, print and finish garments in a matter of hours. “We went from reacting to demand to planning for it,” said co-owner, Eric Manegold.

The shift has driven monthly T shirt sales from approximately $2,000 to more than $10,000, while also improving quality control and allowing the venue to print merchandise for bands, vendors and neighbouring businesses. Grunge-inspired graphics produced in-house reinforce the saloon’s raw, historic aesthetic while ensuring stock is always available during peak tourist and event seasons.

For the Central Saloon, bringing printing in-house has proven that a DIY approach – true to grunge itself – can deliver measurable, long-term business growth without compromising authenticity.