Vaishali Patel
The Union-Recorder
MILLEDGEVILLE —
Since The 42nd Floor opened its doors July 21, business has been booming, with already close to 1,000 smiles and print jobs under their digital garment printing machine.
Located in downtown Milledgeville on West Hancock Street next to Villane’s Jewelry, owners Adam and Lindsey Smith, Georgia College & State University graduates, knew their creative minds would expand and the future of a brick-and-mortar store would grow to be a huge success in the city they have always called home.
“The business itself has been around since 2008, just in various different forms. We moved to Atlanta after we got married. I’m a graphic designer by trade ... and we tried to think of a way to be more creative within the printing industry ... so we decided to take the plunge,” Lindsey said. “Since we opened, [the success of our business] has definitely exceeded our expectations. We are aware of the economy and aware that college students are back in, which is a big chunk of our business, but it’s been great so far and we’re really excited. We already have repeat customers.”
The 42nd Floor derives its name from “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,” a science fiction comedy series.
“They refer to 42 as being the answer to everything, so 42 is the answer to everything printing related,” Lindsey said.
With a wide range of apparel and accessories, more than 16 million colors and an unlimited number of graphic designs available to choose from in affordable prices for every age, pet and home, t-shirts start at $14.99, onesies at $14.99, pet apparel priced at $15.99, tote bags at $29.99 and beach towels cost $16.99.
“We can also take your photo and put it on a puzzle ... ceramic coasters, koozies, headbands, aprons, pillows, pillow covers, keychain wallets and clutches,” Lindsey said. “We also offer Swarovski crystal embellishments and stretch canvas. We can print on anything you can imagine; it’s not limited to what you see in the store.”
Depending on how complex a design is requested, an average time of 15 minutes is needed to create just the perfect design, one minute to print and 30 seconds for heat care, “so you could come in and be out of the store within 20 minutes with something totally custom.”
“If you have something you particularly love that’s 50 percent cotton, bring it in and we’ll work with you to create a design and we’ll help you pick out a garment if you don’t have your own. It’s a fun process. There are no surprises and no set-up fees. You know exactly what you’re getting,” Lindsey said. “And there are no special washing instructions because the ink bonds directly to the fiber. You can even bleach the white. I always tell the customers that there will be a minimal fade ... but a lint roller can freshen that right up.”
Greg Jarvie, a Georgia College professor, sought Lindsey’s expert advice and creative mind Thursday to help him produce a one-of-a-kind T-shirt just for him.
“This is my second visit here, but I saw the store the other day. I have a lot of ideas for t-shirts, but didn’t get shirts made because ... back in the day you had to order 12 minimum to get anything printed,” he said. “I really like their setup and their couch. I plan to do more shirts, and I’m glad they’re here.”
Patrick “The Shaw” Bradshaw has been best friends with Adam for the past five years, and he said he is excited to have the couple back in town.
“I hope the best for them. I’m happy to see them doing well because they seem to be doing well already,” Bradshaw said as he spent time at the store Thursday.
A ribbon cutting ceremony is slated at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday filled with refreshments, goodies, gift certificates and giveaway drawings to mark the grand opening of the business’ successful future.
“We plan to open one night a month really late. It will be a random night and we’ll offer special deals,” Lindsey said.
Open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, the duo plans to continue expand their offerings to the Baldwin County community with party packages and additional products.
“We’re planning to be here for awhile. We can provide a creative outlet for people ... and we’ve had a couple of customers say, ‘I really want to get more involved,’ after they actually get to see the process. We would love to offer classes and support local artists and just keep creativity alive,” Lindsey said. “I think a lot of times people are intimidated to go to a custom print [shop], but just come in and don’t be afraid if you have no idea of what design you want; that’s what we’re here for.”
For more basic information, quotes and design questions, call the store at (478) 295-2622 or visit www.the42ndfloor.com.
