Spoonflower Is Shutting Down? Hot off the Press

[@lifeexpanded]

UPDATE No. 2, Spoonflower just sent out this email: This is a hard announcement for us to share. Spoonflower is closing our Durham manufacturing facility this summer, and we will be saying goodbye to many talented coworkers and friends. These folks helped make Spoonflower what it is today, and we are deeply grateful for all their contributions. This decision was purely made to scale up and expedite processing and shipping by combining forces with the larger manufacturing facilities available in Tempe, Arizona and Fort Mill, South Carolina through our parent company, Shutterfly. Spoonflower began producing and shipping wallpaper and fabric orders from these factories in August 2021; as of August 2023, all Spoonflower orders will be fulfilled from these locations. As we continue to grow for the future, our focus is always on artists, makers and customers like you: We are here to support your endless creativity. Shutterfly’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities enable us to get your orders to you faster. Every order supports an independent artist. That has not changed and will not change. Additionally, Durham, North Carolina will continue to be a part of Spoonflower’s story as our home office. It’s an honor to be in this community. Finally, this would be the part when we say, “The future will be bright,” but we’re also feeling sad that this change is painful for so many people we care about. So today, we’re holding space for both of those feelings. It’s important to note that while we will be saying goodbye to our Durham factory, we’re also saying "hello" to so many new faces in Fort Mill, South Carolina and Tempe, Arizona who will proudly be manufacturing Spoonflower products going forward. We look forward to introducing you to these wonderful folks as we continue to write the Spoonflower story together. In gratitude, The Spoonflower Team

[@chynawall8500]

Well, at least they are not closing for good so that’s good news.

[@lifeexpanded]

@@chynawall8500 Yes- it's a big relief!

[@makenzieflack4928]

I work at the Durham facility and my last day is July 7th :/ …. the last year it has went down terribly. I love my job and so sad to have to leave.

[@lifeexpanded]

Oh, I am SO SO SO sorry to hear. There have been many people in the Facebook groups wondering what they could do to show their support for all the workers. If there is something we could be doing, please let me know and I can pass it along to the groups. 💜🌸💜

[@truth1707]

i love you! i love spoonflower 😢 sending love!

[@HoursaDay]

Can they just ship my damn wallpaper already? From wherever they are??!!!!

[@lifeexpanded]

I've been hearing about all these shipping delays. So annoying for everyone!

[@PatternTalentbyDaryaKarenski]

I'm on the verge of going to live in the woods with all the recent POD/AI news 🤦🏼‍♀️ They just have to STOP!

[@lifeexpanded]

I know what you mean! 🌲🌲🌲

[@chynawall8500]

I’m right there with you. Looking for land to build a cabin. Are they panicking because of AI? Like what is going on out there.

[@lifeexpanded]

@chynawall8500 In their email after this video, they said they are moving production to keep up with orders. I know a lot of people remain suspicious, however 🌸

[@PatternTalentbyDaryaKarenski]

@@chynawall8500 I think it's just overall oversaturation of the POD field, it was happening even before AI. And now it's x10

[@Matty06001]

@@lifeexpandedThat's😂.

[@olelukoyemilk400]

Thanks for your explanations!

[@MeyTribe]

Super confused... the email says they are still open, they are shutting down one of their factories, not the entire website/service Or did I miss something?

[@lifeexpanded]

There have been several updates since this was posted, included in the comments and the description. It seems they are staying open for now, just shifting the location of some of their operations

[@truth1707]

nooo! i love spoonflower! what alternatives are there? :( sending love to all! i hope spoonflower doesnt go away!

[@lifeexpanded]

The updated word from Spoonflower since this episode went live is they DO plan to stick around, but to ship out of other locations (at least for now). There are people that use Contrado and Raspberry Creek Fabrics, but I do not have personal experience with either.

[@lifeexpanded]

Updates will be added in the comments. Please feel free to add your updates and questions in the comments as well 🌸

[@lifeexpanded]

UPDATE 1: another article has come out with some additional information: wraltechwire.com/2023/05/09/shutterfly-closing-durham-spoonflower-operation-in-durham-to-lay-off-108-workers/?amp=1&fbclid=IwAR2dMoDh3b4guIqSZuAF87Xpijs-OsPcQeezOxZgqmnT7iCWNr-j2sZcuFw

[@bigmama5048]

I opened a shop yesterday i hope they will keep printing

[@lifeexpanded]

Fingers crossed that they will!

[@lifeexpanded]

Just received an email. It appears the plan is for Spoonflower to stay open and grow, at least for now (full email announcement in the description)

[@bigmama5048]

@@lifeexpanded I nearly died I asked them on instagram

[@lifeexpanded]

@@bigmama5048 I am so relieved that the news for now looks positive

[@bigmama5048]

@@lifeexpanded they have just put up an announcement they are moving to Florida