Tutorials

How to launch a School Spirit-Wear Store that works. 

A proven method from We Make T-Shirts: Keep store open without a time clock or close date. Offer multiple designs instead of just one. Include a link to the school store on social media posts and email letters.

Not just a "pop up" store. An entire website.

A winning online spirit-wear store does more than sell standard logo shirts — it gives families, students, and staff, real choices. The most successful school stores offer multiple design options, so every student, parent, and staff member can find something that matches their style. They also go beyond basic T-shirts by including sweatshirts, polos, dress shirts, jackets, hats, and more, creating a full lineup of apparel people actually want to wear. And instead of opening for two weeks and disappearing, the highest-performing stores stay open 24/7, allowing families to shop anytime, replace lost gear, or grab last-minute spirit-wear before big events. This combination of variety, flexibility, and availability is what turns a school store into a true year-round spirit-building tool.

Offer several different shirt designs

Offering several different shirt designs is one of the easiest ways to boost engagement and sales in a school spirit-wear store. Not everyone wants the same look, so giving families a mix of classic text designs, mascot-focused graphics, retro styles, and bold modern layouts lets each person choose the vibe that fits them best. When students see options that feel fresh and personal, they’re far more likely to buy — and wear — the gear proudly.

Offer different types of products

A great spirit-wear store goes beyond the basics. Instead of offering only T-shirts and hoodies, the most successful programs include a full range of products that families, students, and staff, actually need throughout the year. Items like printed and embroidered polos, dress shirts, quarter-zips, jackets, hats, beanies, gym shorts, backpacks, and more give parents and students real choices for school, sports, work, or everyday wear. When your store feels like a complete apparel lineup—not just a T-shirt stand—participation increases, sales rise, and your school looks more unified wherever the gear is worn.

Don't close the store. Ever. 

Keeping your spirit-wear store open 24/7 is one of the biggest upgrades you can make. Instead of forcing families into a two-week rush, a year-round store gives parents, students, and staff the flexibility to order whenever they actually need something—whether it’s a lost hoodie, a last-minute shirt for spirit day, or fresh gear for a new season. A permanent store also eliminates the stress of deadlines, reduces duplicate “special order” requests, and steadily builds school pride throughout the year. With on-demand production, your store becomes a convenient resource rather than a limited-time event.

Partner and communite with your print shop.

Partnering closely with your print shop is a simple way to keep your spirit-wear store fresh and relevant. By keeping them in the loop on upcoming events, sports seasons, tournaments, fundraisers, and school initiatives, they can quickly add new designs, seasonal items, or special-edition merch to the store whenever needed. This ongoing communication ensures your store always feels up-to-date, aligned with what’s happening at school, and stocked with the gear families are actually looking for—right when they need it.

Search
Your cart is empty
Search

Select Currency

{CC} - {CN}
Cancel