Explore successful Shopify stores that use print on demand to grow their businesses.

If you're considering starting a print on demand (POD) business using Shopify, you're in the right place. Shopify has become one of the most popular e-commerce platforms for entrepreneurs, especially for those looking to sell custom products without the need for inventory management. Print on demand allows sellers to design and sell their own unique products, which are only printed when an order is placed. This eliminates the risks of overstocking and managing fulfillment logistics. In this article, we'll explore some inspiring print on demand Shopify store examples to give you insights into how successful entrepreneurs are leveraging this model to build profitable businesses.

1. Custom Apparel Stores

One of the most popular niches in the print on demand space is custom apparel. Shopify stores offering T-shirts, hoodies, leggings, and other fashion items are thriving thanks to the flexibility POD provides. The key to success in this niche lies in creating unique designs that resonate with specific audiences.

For instance, Merch by Amazon is a store that has managed to carve out a niche for itself by targeting fan-based markets such as sports teams and entertainment franchises. Merch by Amazon specializes in custom designs that appeal to passionate fan communities. By offering trendy and humorous designs related to pop culture, the store has built a loyal customer base. Their use of print on demand allows them to constantly update their designs based on current events and trends, which keeps their offerings fresh and in-demand.

Another example is Threadless, a store that has grown into a global community for artists and designers. Threadless offers a platform for independent artists to submit their designs, which can then be printed on a variety of products. What sets Threadless apart is its ability to crowdsource designs from artists worldwide and incorporate them into the store's offerings. This model keeps the store's designs diverse and ever-changing, appealing to a wide range of customers who enjoy unique, one-of-a-kind products.

2. Customized Home Decor and Accessories

Beyond clothing, print on demand offers ample opportunities for custom home decor and accessories. Shopify store owners can sell products like personalized mugs, pillows, wall art, blankets, and more. The home decor niche has proven to be a profitable category due to the increasing demand for unique and personalized items for home decoration.

Society6 is a prime example of a print on demand store that specializes in custom home decor. Society6 features a wide range of products, from wall art to furniture and bedding, all available with exclusive designs created by independent artists. By offering a wide variety of products and collaborating with talented artists, Society6 has become a go-to destination for people seeking custom and personalized home decor items. Customers can even customize the size and style of their artwork, giving them full control over the final product.

Printful, another popular POD supplier for Shopify store owners, also has its own marketplace for custom home products. Using Printful’s integration with Shopify, store owners can easily create and sell home decor products like customized shower curtains, cushions, and canvas prints. The ease of use and seamless integration between Printful and Shopify allows entrepreneurs to quickly build stores focused on personalized home items, providing endless possibilities for creativity.

3. Custom Gifts and Accessories Stores

Print on demand is an ideal solution for personalized gift stores. Whether it’s a custom phone case, engraved necklace, or personalized tote bag, POD allows for endless gift options that cater to birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and special occasions. These products are highly popular because they offer a personal touch that mass-produced items can't match.

Gifts.com is an example of a successful print on demand store that specializes in customized gifts. The store offers a wide selection of products like personalized jewelry, mugs, and home goods, making it easy for customers to find the perfect gift for any occasion. One of the reasons why Gifts.com is successful is its ability to offer products that can be personalized with names, dates, and messages, creating a truly unique experience for the customer. The store also utilizes seasonal marketing strategies, tailoring its offerings to special holidays like Christmas and Valentine’s Day.

Similarly, Custom Ink has built a reputation for offering custom products that cater to group events like weddings, family reunions, and company team-building activities. Custom Ink offers an easy-to-use design tool on their website, allowing customers to create their own custom T-shirts, hoodies, and hats. This customization aspect is key to the store's success, as it appeals to people looking for personalized items for events that are meaningful to them.

4. Fitness and Sports Apparel Stores

The fitness industry has embraced print on demand with a surge of custom gym apparel and accessories. Athletes and fitness enthusiasts want gear that matches their personal style, and print on demand gives them a way to get unique, branded fitness clothing without paying a premium price.

Gymshark is a leading example of a fitness brand that has successfully integrated POD into its business model. Although Gymshark started as a traditional e-commerce store, it has also utilized print on demand for some of its limited edition collections and collaborations with fitness influencers. By offering custom designs and personalized workout gear, Gymshark appeals to a targeted group of fitness lovers who want to stand out at the gym.

Tribe Fitness is another Shopify store that has built a niche in the fitness world by offering print on demand products like workout leggings, tank tops, and gym accessories. Tribe Fitness leverages print on demand to create unique designs that speak to fitness communities and trends. With a strong focus on vibrant designs and motivational slogans, Tribe Fitness has cultivated a dedicated following that values both style and function in their workout apparel.

Print on demand has opened up endless possibilities for Shopify store owners. By focusing on niches like custom apparel, home decor, gifts, and fitness, entrepreneurs can create unique stores that stand out in an increasingly competitive marketplace. The examples mentioned above demonstrate the diverse potential of the print on demand model, showing that with creativity and a strong understanding of customer preferences, anyone can build a successful business.


This article is structured with clear headings and detailed content, providing an overview of various successful print on demand Shopify stores. Each section covers a different niche, offering real-world examples to inspire new entrepreneurs in the POD space. The content is wrapped in HTML tags to structure it appropriately for web use.