Why Downsizing from a Shopfront to a Garage Isn’t the End—It’s a Smarter Move in the Garment Printing and Embroidery Business

In the world of garment printing and embroidery, success often looks like expansion. A high street shop, multiple printing and embroidery machines, a bustling team, and a steady stream of customers walking through the door. But recently, I watched a fellow garment printer and embroiderer take a very different route—one that completely challenged the usual narrative.

They closed their retail unit and moved everything back to their garage.

At first, I was surprised.  Having my own business with a shop front, I understand the physical and mental toll.  The effort of setting up and all the hours put in to building your dream, it almost seems impossible to let it go.  I would go as far as saying.....the fear of not having my own retail space fills me with anxiety and overwhelm!  Which tonight as I write this,  I question why?

Since finding out their decision to downsize, it became clear to me that: For them, this wasn’t a step backwards. It was a conscious decision to run a custom clothing business on their own terms. And honestly? It's so inspiring.

Observing a Garment Printing Business Recalibrate

From the outside, their shop looked like it was thriving. The displays were full of printed T-shirts, embroidered hoodies, hi-vis workwear, and personalised gifts. It had a presence in the community and a loyal customer base.  

But slowly and quietly, they made the shift—back to where it all started. Back to the garage.

There was no dramatic closure, no big farewell post. Just a transition that felt grounded. And watching it unfold made me question a lot about how we define growth in the garment decoration industry, and business in general.  I once asked a fellow business owner—someone I considered both a friend and a mentor, “Where do you see Found on a Curb in the future then?”
His response was, “I see a factory with lots of machines and team members.”

At the time, I was flattered that he saw that kind of potential in me and my business. But as time passed, I realised that was his version of growth and success—and perhaps he thought it was what I wanted to hear.  Maybe he assumed that is what I thought growth/success looked like? Lots of assumptions were made.  

The truth is, I’ve never wanted to be bigger. Just better. Supply better products, Deliver a better service, Be better at my craft.

The Benefits of Downsizing a Garment Printing & Embroidery Business

Since returning to a home-based setup, their business looks calmer, sharper, and far more profitable.

Without the constant pressure of commercial rent, utilities, and foot traffic, they’ve regained control of their time and cash flow. Every order (whether it's a printed T-shirt for a stag do or embroidered workwear for a local tradesperson) now carries more value. The margins are healthier, and the stress is lower.  

They’ve also had the chance to reconnect with the craft of garment decoration which is a skill that constantly needs updating. There’s more attention to detail in their embroidery work. The print quality is sharper, and their custom garments feel more personal. They’ve shifted from trying to be everything to everyone, and instead are focusing on high-quality, niche orders that truly suit their skills.  They’re working smarter hours, spending more time with family, and still delivering top-notch embroidered and printed items to their customers.  

What I’ve Learned From Their Journey

As someone who works in custom garment printing and embroidery, watching their journey taught me something really valuable: a visible shopfront doesn’t define the legitimacy of your business.

Their brand is still strong. Their customer base is still loyal. And their work is better than ever. They took all the lessons from running a retail unit, such as branding, pricing, customer service—and brought it back into a lean, efficient operation that works better for them and their young family.

In our industry and in many other industries, I feel that there’s often an ego attached to having a shop. It looks successful. It feels like a milestone. But the truth is, not every garment printing business needs a retail space to thrive.  

A Message to Fellow Printers, Embroiderers & Small Business Owners

If you’re running a small printing or embroidery business and wondering whether scaling down is the right move—don’t assume it means stepping backwards. Sometimes, returning to basics can reignite your love for what you do and make the business work better for your life, not just your bank account.

Downsizing can lead to growth of a different kind: in clarity, confidence, and creative freedom.

Watching my fellow garment printer and embroiderer make that decision and change has left a serious lasting impression.  Back to the garage doesn’t mean back to square one. In this case, it meant finding the heart of the business again—one printed T-shirt and stitched logo at a time.

Have a great weekend! 

Katie
Found on a Curb

P.S. NEVER ASSUME!