Time to change…
So I did a lot of thinking over the holidays about where to go with Fright-Rags in 2009. I already have quite a few things planned and I have a feeling it’s going to be a big year ahead.
My primary goal has always been (and always will be) to provide you with the most kick-ass horror shirts, period. Afterall, you are a true horror fan and deserve to wear the best…why settle for anything less? And from all the emails and comments I’ve received, what you want are new designs. However, I’ve also come to the conclusion that, in order for me to keep releasing new designs, I need to change a few things.
What you may not realize is, I’m actually running out of room here. I’ve got shelves packed with shirts and even after adding some additional space a few months ago, I’m already running out of room. As you can imagine, that makes adding new designs much harder.
So here’s the deal…I’m going to be retiring designs on a more regular basis. I just need to let go of some of the older designs and ones that just don’t sell as well anymore. Instead of watching some shirts just take up space, I’d rather blow them out at ridiculous prices to make room for a fresh, new design. Wouldn’t you agree?
Starting this Thursday, I will be getting rid of 15 designs. They will all be marked down severely and put in a clearance section on the site. And once they are gone, they are gone for good and will not be reprinted. Some of them may re-appear in the vintage section or even be completely re-designed as an original shirt at a later date…but in either case, it will be a different design.
As for the new designs…they’re coming. This Thursday will also see the release of 5 new designs (as well as 3 new hoodies) and have more already waiting to get printed. So have no fear…lots of new stuff is on the way!
So what do you think? Does this make you a bit sad to see some designs go? Happy that new stuff is on the way? Indifferent to the whole thing? I’d love to hear what you think…post your comments below!
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Ben, I think retiring old designs is a great idea as long as we get decent notice so we don’t miss out. Very excited to see your new designs.
Love the shirts – the three I ordered in December have caused random people to come up to me and comment on them.
One request – please consider keeping/adding more Night of the Creeps – there’s new talk it will be released on DVD!
While I understand the idea behind it, I’m really horrified at the idea of the Ash and Carrie designs being among those to be retired….please please please say they won’t be going
You can’t get rid of them!
Sounds good Ben! Looking forward to seeing the new ink and retiree discounts. Keep up the awesome work!
Ben, I think this is a GREAT idea, to do new designs and retire old ones. What I really like is your idea of putting retired shirts into the vintage section and then creting new designs for favorite characters or movies.
My suggesion – do the original design, then do a Vintage Edition of the same design with a little more ‘pop’ after you retire the design, and then do a new version of the design in the regular everyday shirt section. That way, people can decide which type of shirts they want and you’ll be able to gauge what sells and what doesn’t and what is successful. I’m personally very excited for the new designs, esp. if any of them feature Mr. Voorhees!
I have 10 different FR tees and like at least half of them enough to buy another “spare” should they be the ones to be retired. I’ll be keeping my eyes opened….
Good plan – I’d recommend keeping the retired shirts listed on the site under a “retired” section, maybe occasionally doing reprints based on customer demand/voting?
Thanx for letting us know…I think its a bad idea.If they were all made to order, that would leave room.I usually buy in quantity….because all black t-shirts fade and look louzy when they do.Would be sad if it was a favorite design, gets the axe and can’t get it again…shirts fade,houses burn down. Would be sad if ya couldnt get it.They could all be made by order like some of them are.I’ll probably buy on thursday depending on the shirts but will also be sad if I miss out on one cuz I have to work late thurdsay.
I think it’s a great idea. Make some profit off the stagnant shirts instead of having to pay for a local storage facility. I’m personally really excited for the new digs. Take it easy.
I think this is actually a great idea! I can’t wait to see the new designs and which shirts get marked down. :p
out with the old… sounds like a good way to go. If someone hasn’t jumped at a design yet then too bad. And I personally really love buying stuff on clearance sales that I probably wouldn’t have bought otherwise.
Sounds awesome! Can’t wait to see the new designs.
I am sad to see some of the older designs go, but perhaps it’ll make room for the bigger and the [possibly] better. I will probably pick up a few on clearance so as not to be let down by your choice to be rid of them!
Good plan Ben.
Lose whats not selling. It makes perfect sense.
One thing though: How about doing an Island of Death shirt for me?!
And keep up the good work. There is no finer t-shirt producer in the world.
Sounds like a plan! The Stripe shirt is awesome, by the way. . .
Thats a good idea, that way people aren’t getting bored of seeing the same shirts on here all the time, especially if they already have what they want from Fright Rags.
I’m hoping for some girl shirts with an Alien print and Dead Alive print or just more girl stuff all around. Girls like horror too.
Do what ya gotta do..just keep the kick ass horror shirts coming!!
I think its a good thing to discontinue certain designs.Im enuff of a horror snob that I will love saying..”u cant get this one any more.”haha!!
Creature stole my Twinkie..Bye!!
I’m a fat horror fan please keep the 4xl size.
That is a wonderful idea.
Ill be waiting for the markdowns.
I love Sales..
So I’m Excited!!
=]=]
Just got the e-mail Ben! The new designs look amazing and I can’t wait to grab a few tomorrow on clearance! By the way, do you know what time tomorrow the new shirts and clearance shirts will be available? By the way, I think it’s a great idea to move out the less popular and bring in the new stuff! It would be great to have everything available ALL the time, but with new ideas come new change. And it gives the fans a chance to get some great out-of-print shirts at unbelievable prices!
Well, it’s always sad to see the old put to pasture, but the fact is with all things, change can be a good thing.
I agree with you that if something is not selling as well as others, then you must get rid of them and at close-out prices, name someone who’s gonna condemn you for putting something on the clearance rack. All that being said, I’m looking forward to the new designs and it’s gonna be a great time to stock up on ones that need Fright-Friendly homes. Get ready for the shipping process. Your gonna be pretty busy.
Hey Ben,
While it’s sad to see some designs go, if it means more space for new and exciting designs then I’m all for it.
Giving notice to members before a shirt is retired would be great, it makes those of us who have always been meaning to pick up a certain design but haven’t to grab it before it’s too late.
It’s also a great incentive to get more people to sign up for the members only letter, which will keep them up to date on everything Fright Rags.
On top of that you are offering them at close out prices which makes it even better.
Just another reason why Fright Rags is one of the best companies out there making horror shirts today.
Out with the old and in with the new…I can’t wait to see what you have in store for 2009 and judging by the sneak peek in the e-mail, I won’t be disappointed.
Keep up the amazing work…I just received my order last week (which featured my favorite movie of all time!)…and I am thrilled to hear about even more new designs on the way.
Can’t wait to see what you have planned for 2009 and beyond!
cool more hoodie designs… maybe the funhouse will be in there somewhere or john candy (the clown murders)
Hey Ben,
I think that’s a great idea mate, it is a shame that some designs have to go but it’s also exciting to see some new designs. I see you have Argento’s “Opera”, Lamberto Bava’s “Demons” and Fright Night coming up–all classic stuff.
Some ideas for you—some Basil Gogos inspired portraits would be great–just a suggestion.
The one thing I would love to see is Young Frankenstein–the original US one sheet or anything with Gene Wilder, Peter Boyle and Marty Feldman on it.
Keep up the awesome work and have a good year!
I hate to sound like a freakin asshole, but:
So, I’m looking at the Demons shirt and I’m wondering if the shirt should say Demons 2 instead of Demons? Because the demon in yellow looks like the little boy in Demons 2 and if I’m not mistaken the other demon at the bottom sort of resembles Sally, from Demons 2. Not that I should complain, it’s awesome to have a Lamberto Bava shirt available!
@ Hollie – Hmm…you know, I never really thought of that before? I have actually never seen Demons 2 (it’s on my list) and it’s been awhile since I watched the first one so I just let the person who designed it run with it a bit. I may have to go back and take a look myself…
Understandable.
Actually, it’s cool in that it gives “retired” shirts a certain value to obsessive collectors like me.
I’ll always look forward to new Fright Rags designs. You guys do great work and it’s always a pleasure dealing with you, whether at a convention or through the mail.
Hey Ben,
Just wondering… Have you ever thought of making a shirt from any of the cult classic horror movie like maximum overdrive or DUEL? Seriously these are hard to find and we know a lot of fans of these movies. Just wondering. Oh and as soon as you finish the tarman design you know I’ll be getting one for myself as well as my boyfriend Mike. We are big horror fans and Mike acutally draws, paints, and makes masks from Friday 13th, Halloween, Saw, and others. I’ll have to send you some pics sometime.We have gotten so many compliments on the shirts and jackets we’ve gotten from you!!! We’re always like “Frightrags.com dude!!” Keep the good stuff coming!! Take care!!
Amy and Mike
Ben you are f***ing awesome dude I just got to my house and on the way in I see a picture of Jason on a package by the door. I knew right away it was my Friday the 13th special edition shirts and you did a hell of a good job. It was great how everything was. The shirts,water from Crystal Lake,the box, the stickers,The piece of Toxic candy! everything was excellent. My friends are so jealous of me right now and its all because of Fright Rags. I was having a bad day and this made my day awesome thanks a lot dude and keep up the great work.
Nate
so im curous , i just saw this post late- what t-shirts did u get rid of and that i missed out on since january? i just see a couple clearance ones in may, what ones that arent up their did i miss?