Northern Wilds shares decision to close print shop and plans for future

A trusted and reliable printing service in Grand Marais will come to an end on Nov. 1.

Northern Wilds recently announced that they are closing the print shop this fall. While they will still honor and finish existing orders, they will not accept any new orders after Nov. 1.

“We’ve been talking about it for some time,” said Shawn Perich, co-owner of Northern Wilds.

Like many other local businesses, Northern Wilds experienced staffing challenges during the pandemic. In addition, Perich said the demand for printing has decreased.

“So that’s been the big driver for us. We still do plenty of work, but just not enough to have a staff person handling it,” Perich said.

Northern Wilds was started in 2004 by co-owners Perich and Amber Pratt. Since 2004, publishing has been Northern Wilds core business, and they plan to stick to that. The business will continue to publish the monthly Northern Wilds magazine, the Cook County map and continue with book publishing services.

Northern Wilds lead graphic designer Katie Viren said that the book publishing service has become increasingly popular. “We’ve had just amazing history coming out of the woodwork that we’re able to get books published for, and that piece is our strong suit.”

While both Perich and Viren said it’s regretful that they are letting the printing shop go, but that they are looking forward to what lies ahead.

“I think you’ll just continue to see Northern Wilds be Northern Wilds and continue to change and shift with community needs,” Perich said.

Following the closure of the Northern Wilds print shop, printing options in Grand Marais become limited. Viren said that the library offers basic printing and Cook County Higher Ed has a self-service copy machine. “We’re hoping someone locally will pick up some of the printing business,” said Perich.

While Northern Wilds focuses their attention on publishing and the future, Viren said she appreciates the printing customers throughout the years and, “We’ve appreciated this opportunity to serve them.”

WTIP’s Kalli Hawkins met with Perich and Viren at Northern Wilds to learn more about the closure of the print shop and what lies ahead for the business. Audio from the interview is below.

Kalli Hawkins October 2, 2022