Presidential Election Merchandise
Campaign 2008 Is Lucrative for Many New and Existing Retailers
May 22, 2008
Campaign 2008 has produced more than just candidates for the United States Presidency. The popularity and vigor of this election has been the motivation for the starting of and expansion of many retail businesses.
Although each campaign markets an official line of merchandise or paraphernalia, several entrepreneurs have taken this opportunity to design and market their own Campaign 2008 designs. Typical campaign items such as bumper stickers, caps, t-shirts, mouse pads, key chains, cups, and buttons are still big sellers. But most of the 2008 campaign items are far from usual. Plain campaign buttons have been replaced by buttons with "bling", and simple and politically correct slogans like "___ for President" replaced with humorous, bold and sometimes even vicious statements. These new entrepreneurs have placed campaign slogans on everything from aprons to underwear (including thongs). Most of these businesses have found success selling their items via the Internet or in storefronts, while others have taken to the campaign trail selling their wares at rallies and other campaign related events.
B. Estrin of California is one such individual. In a recent interview, Estrin told Suite 101 that he opened Obama Central shortly after Senator Barack Obama announced his intentions to vie for the U.S. Presidency in 2008. Since that time, Estrin's individual designs have been sought after by Obama supporters everywhere. Estrin has transferred his graphics/slogans to T-shirts, buttons, stickers and even onesies. When asked about the future of Obama Central, Estrin says that whether Senator Obama wins or not, he is hopeful that the business may be able to prosper for a while longer. Estrin also creates other paraphernalia with political and social themes.
Campaign 2008 has been the inspiration for some very unique memorabilia as well:
- Political dolls including bobble heads, crocheted dolls and action figures have become campaign collectibles. One such doll is the Mr. First Lady talking doll (a part of the Bill for First Lady product line).
- Pets have also gotten in on the action. Doggie T-shirts with slogans such as "Mutts for McCain" and "My Mama's For Obama" are hot sellers.
- Campaign postcards, posters, tote bags and even postage can be purchased from many on-line vendors.
Other novelty items include a Hillary Clinton nutcracker, candidate party string lights, shot glasses and almost anything you can think of in the color pink with slogans supporting the candidacy of Senator Hillary Clinton. There is no doubt that Campaign 2008 has been and will continue to be lucrative for many new and existing retailers.
