by Andrew Redfern @ 14th July 2008 9:52 am

CafePress, the recognized leader of user-generated commerce, today announced the acquisition of Imagekind, the fastest-growing user-generated site offering high-quality fine framed art. Since 1999 CafePress has changed the way people shop for user-generated products and has been working to refine and expand its offerings. Imagekind, known as the best-in-breed on-demand art provider, proved a perfect fit. The two companies share similar business models — providing customers with the opportunity to create, buy and sell their own unique merchandise.

This acquisition, a logical step in further cementing CafePress’ leadership in user-generated commerce, adds a like-minded brand to the CafePress portfolio focused on offering customers unique user-generated merchandise.

Both companies recognize the benefits this partnership brings to their respective communities of users and are currently exploring the best possible paths for website and service integration.

“Acquiring Imagekind allows us to do two things,” explains Cafepress CEO and co-founder Fred Durham. “First, it allows us to provide a richer fine art solution to the community of artists, designers and entrepreneurs who are already among our 6.5 million shopkeepers.

Additionally, it provides the opportunity for fine artists who haven’t discovered us, to
have the type of success that Cafepress shopkeepers have had selling apparel and gifts since 1999. We can’t wait to see where the creativity of our community will take this partnership — I’m sure it will be amazing, they haven’t disappointed yet!”

“Every bare wall is our market,” explains Imagekind CEO Kevin Saliba. “CafePress brings the expertise, resources, and community to help get our artists and their galleries to the world faster. The CafePress marketplace has thrived on consumers who are looking for unique products that help them express themselves, and this partnership allows Imagekind to introduce its artists to the millions of CafePress members, which will help them grow awareness and ultimately sales.”

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