The team behind a city whats-on guide has launched a campaign to help independent businesses create their own special edition t-shirts by pairing them with local designers.
Cool As Leicester has set up to help local businesses raise some extra money during the lockdown.
Local shops, bars and venues already have their own branded merchandise for sale on the leicestermerch.com site, knowing the profits will go to them – with a small cut for the designers – and without the hassle of stock handling, production or shipping.
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Companies that have taken up the offer include the Very Bazaar gift shop, venue The Soundhouse, the Bloom Project florist, Crafty Burger and Bru coffee shop.
Adult t-shirts cost £19.99 and the growing list of products also includes sweat tops and bags.
Cool As Leicester editor Gabby Miller said anyone buying products would be doing their bit to help the local economy bounce back after the pandemic, and support Leicester’s creative talent pool in these tough times.
Gabby said: “I wanted to do something to support independent businesses and a reader of the site approached us about a t-shirt design.
“From there I started to match up businesses with designers and it was amazing to see how much everyone was still so keen to collaborate and work on a new project.
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“Profits from the t-shirts go back to the businesses and designers involved so it’s a lovely way for people to support independent and grab themselves a cool t-shirt in the process.”
To keep all aspects of the project within Leicestershire, she has partnered with Penny Crayon Custom Clothing, based in Loughborough, for the printing and handling.
Dan Creasy, creative director at Penny Crayon Custom Clothing said: “As a Leicestershire based business we’re delighted to be involved in the Leicester Merch Aid project.
“We’re proud of the quality of products that we produce here at Penny Crayon Custom Clothing and this coupled with the excellent local design work will hopefully mean a lot of money is raised to support a range of local independents through what is a very difficult time.”
Alongside the independent merch is a small range of Cool As Leicester branded items too, supporting the online magazine.
Independent businesses interested in getting involved should visit .