IndyInk Reopens Denver Warehouse and Rehires Workers After Layoffs

"Shop local, support small business is not just a bumper sticker: It is what creates a community," wrote Aaron Cohrs, the co-owner of the Denver graphic design and clothing brand IndyInk, in a 2018 opinion piece for Westword.

That passionate loyalty to the local economy was put to the test in January when IndyInk decided to close its longstanding warehouse, showroom and production facility at 1474 South Acoma Street in order to farm out that work to non-Colorado companies. The closure necessitated the layoff of all six of the warehouse's employees.

But now Cohrs and crew have done an about-face and reopened.

"We are excited to share that we've reached an agreement with our landlord to maintain a presence at our Denver warehouse," Cohrs says. "We'll be operating with a smaller footprint and have relocated our showroom to our retail location, Abstract Denver, on Santa Fe."

Abstract flagship shop at 724 Santa Fe Drive — as well as its other three brick-and-mortar locations in Denver: 5501 West 20th Avenue in Edgewater, an outpost in Stanley Marketplace and a mall store at 303 16th Street — were not affected by the warehouse closure.

IndyInk has not disclosed how many of the six laid-off employees are being rehired, but Cohrs says, "We're thrilled to be able to continue printing in Denver and have been fortunate to bring back some of our most talented team members. Our partners in California and Chicago will be assisting with overflow, embroidery and specialty work."

IndyInk did not initially issue a statement about the closure and layoffs in January, but Cohrs later told Westword that higher freight costs and Denver's recent minimum-wage hike were largely responsible for the downsizing.

Notes Cohrs, "Denver is an important part of our identity. After more than two decades in the business, we're proud to be able to keep production local. Even with a smaller operation, we're committed to delivering the same high-quality products our customers expect, especially the Colorado-themed apparel that has been so popular at Abstract.

"We're optimistic about the future," he adds, "and we believe this streamlined approach will allow us to continue to serve our customers and community effectively."