5801 Print House is moving on up to bigger things

Gone are the days of operating out of a small storefront in West St. Pete: 5801 Print House has gotten a glow-up. Sunday’s grand opening of the retro-souvenir and gift boutique’s new warehouse location (12-6 p.m.) ushers in a new era of possibility for owners Alexa Schneider and Lauren Sampson.

The move to their spot at 2631 6th Ave South, in the Warehouse Arts District, was catalyzed by 5801’s rapidly-growing business, and the duo’s desire to continue to grow their product line. 

“We had so many ideas of things we wanted to do, but it just wasn’t possible because we couldn’t make things quick enough,” Schenider said. “We couldn’t even keep up with orders with those space constraints.” 

Sampson continued: “All of the printing and the shopping was in there and we didn’t have room to do anything else. We didn’t even have room to walk in the back room. We really just needed more printing equipment and it definitely wasn’t going to happen there.”

While the duo loved their old location at 57th and Central (which opened in 2022), they agreed that “this is the right space for us.”

Said Schneider: “I feel like this neighborhood is very artsy and creative, and a lot of people have workshops and stuff, which is something that we hope to do, and we never could have done that in the last space.

“It’s a lot more active on the weekends. In this neighborhood, with how much is going on, you’re able to stumble upon things.”

Opening the door to the new shop is like walking through a portal to Florida’s nostalgic past. Bright orange and white tiles adorn the floor, bringing a bright pop of color to the space, while the wood-paneled wall embellished with their custom-printed pennants evokes ’70s vibes. On brand with their do-it-yourself-ethos, the duo designed and installed both, insisting that the shop be more than a place to purchase their products – this store needed to provide a sensory experience. 

“We really did all of this ourselves. Nothing’s perfect – so don’t look too close,” Sampson warned with a laugh. 

Her thoughts to the contrary, one would be hard-pressed to find any fault with the aesthetic. The storefront houses the wearable Florida memorabilia that the 5801 brand is known for, in addition to new products like retro glassware and printed mirrors. There’s also a custom-made St. Pete penny press – the only one in the entire city. 

The backroom features two giant new pieces of production equipment that will allow 5801 to meet its rapidly-growing demand for screen-printed products. Sampson and Schneider are also excited to host workshops in the space. Details are still being ironed out, but expect classes and pop-ups for curious crafters.

At Sunday’s carnival-themed grand opening celebration, visitors can try their hand at printing their own shirts or tote bags with three custom 5801 Print House designs. Schneider and Sampson made their own carnival games (of course they did) that will be set up throughout the space, and prizes include potential future products – new hats, retro glassware, carnival mirrors, experimental designs and more.

“The era that we like pull inspiration from, make designs from, is a time period that is really nostalgic to everyone, whether you lived it or not,” Schneider said. “And just like feels good.”

For more information, visit the 5801 Print House website.