R/GA Rolls Out Merch Aid in Austin with 6 Initial Collabs

AUSTIN, Texas, May 14, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- 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 starting at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 14:

• Will Bryant + End of An Ear
• Avery Orendorf + BookPeople
• Courtney Leinfelder + Mother's Cafe
• Laurie Frick + MakeATX
• Steffi Lynn Tsai + Cute Nail Studio
• Steve Wolf + Bouldin Creek Cafe

"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."

View design assets here and the press kit can be downloaded here.

About R/GA
R/GA is the company that creates transformation at speed. An innovation leader for more than 40 years, R/GA has expanded and evolved to offer business transformation, experience transformation, and marketing transformation through its award-winning consulting, ventures, technology, design, marketing communications, and IP practices. Its work spans web, mobile, and social communications, retail and e-commerce, product innovation, brand development, and innovation consulting. The company has more than 2,000 employees globally with 17 offices across the United States, Europe, South America, and Asia-Pacific. R/GA is part of The Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE: IPG), one of the world's largest advertising and marketing services organizations. For more information about R/GA, please visit www.rga.com.

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SOURCE R/GA