Street vendors ready to make a profit from RNC visitors
The 2016 Republican National Convention is shaping up to be an unconventional experience. But just in case the estimated 50,000 visitors need a souvenir, dozens of vendors have lined the streets of Cleveland ready to capitalize on the historic event. Summer Delaney headed out to see some of the merchandise.
Donald Trump campaign staples such as “Make America Great Again” hats were seen at every corner of Cleveland’s Euclid Avenue near the Quicken Loans Arena. Vendors also had tie-dyed Trump T-shirts, bumper stickers and flags. Aside from the traditional campaign merchandise, some sellers were creative, including one that sold TRUMPtation air fresheners and MELONia fragrances.
Aside from the presumptive GOP nominee’s presence, Hillary Clinton’s likeness could be seen on shirts and pins. The most popular button featured a picture of her face with the words “Hillary for Prison 2016” along its arc.
There were also some vendors who were nonpartisan — or at least willing to make jokes at the expense of both candidates. One pair sold an elephant doll named Phil A Buster and a donkey called Ralph A Rendum that made jokes when squeezed. Another duo from New Jersey sold a cereal brand called Trump Flakes, whose ingredients included “sass, frosted and flaked.” They plan to sell Clinton Crunch at the Democratic National Convention next week.
