SCP Merchandising abruptly laid off all staff, affecting many artists’ online merch stores. SCP was known for its lower rates compared to competitors, taking 15% of net sales rather than 20% of gross. But the company—which has worked with artists such as Mitski, Father John Misty, and Carly Rae Jepsen—reportedly laid off all its employees on December 17 and will likely be filing for bankruptcy. Online stores for artists affiliated with SCP have been taken down and there is uncertainty regarding how to collect remaining merchandise for artists and how to get refunded for fans. YPulse’s Celebrities and Influencers report shows that young consumers are most likely to buy products that music celebrities create, compared to athletes, actors, and online celebrities—so this merch interruption is likely to hit Gen Z fans. (Billboard)
