R/GA Rolls Out Merch Aid in Austin with 12 Limited Edition Collabs

Austin, TX – May 14, 2020 – As the charity initiative Merch Aid surpasses the $100,000-plus sales mark, R/GA is proud to announce the expansion of the effort to launch in Austin today. Created to connect leading artists and designers with COVID-19-impacted businesses for merchandise collaborations, Merch Aid will begin rolling out in Austin with six designs and followed by a design drop each day at 5 p.m. CST for a week. T-shirts and poster prints will be available for purchase at www.getmerchaid.com with 100% profits going back to the businesses, generating a new revenue stream to cover overhead costs and employees.

With the desire to showcase Austin’s distinctive creative talent, each of the 12 Merch Aid collabs take inspiration from the community and the individuality of each business.

The following merch collaborations will be available for purchase:

5/14 – Will Bryant + End of An Ear

5/14 – Avery Orendorf + BookPeople

5/14 – Courtney Leinfelder + Mother’s Cafe

5/14 – Laurie Frick + MakeATX

5/14 – Steffi Lynn Tsai + Cute Nail Studio

5/14 – Steve Wolf + Bouldin Creek Café

5/17 – Zachary Horst + Room Service Vintage

5/18 – Robert Lin + Lazarus Brewing Co.

5/19 – Michael Sieben + Texas Coffee Traders

5/20 – Simon Walker + Antonelli’s

5/21 – Lauren Dickens + White Horse

5/22 – Drew Lakin + Micklethwait Craft Meats

“The success of Merch Aid is undeniable and we’re looking forward to bringing this excitement and momentum to make an impact in Austin, said R/GA Austin’s SVP, Managing Director Candice Hahn. “There is such strong creative talent in Austin. We’re launching with a set of artists who represent a range of styles, their common thread is a strong love for the local community. We’re so thankful for the donation of their time and thoughtful approach to representing each business in a unique and meaningful way.”

“Austin is known for its entrepreneurial spirit and coming together in times of need. Merch Aid rings true to what makes this City special and should directly help small businesses that together make up more than 90% of businesses in Austin,” noted Mayor Steve Adler.

“I love the cause and I love the idea of matching artists to small businesses to help each other get through this climate together! It is important we are all in this together and this is an opportunity to create something that can brighten people’s day and make a difference,” said Illustrator and Designer Steffi Lynn Tsai.

Designer Steve Wolf added, “We’re all in this together. Small businesses are the heart of the Austin community and they help stimulate our local economy.”