The range of Obama goods was already tremendous last year, but with his inauguration around the corner, hand-crafted Obama merchandise is more abundant than ever.
A quick search of Etsy.com, a website consisting of private ‘stores’ where people can sell their hand-made crafts—like an online art fair—offers a plethora of political memorabilia.
The gallery above offers a glimmer into the wealth of diverse creations inspired by the U.S. president-to-be, from Obama-shaped chocolate busts and presidential coffee cup sleeves, to Van Go-Bama paintings and Obama family plushies.
The prices vary greatly; the Obama newspaper clutch is listed for $200, while the Obama "Yes We Did" bracelet fetches a breezy $25.
Sources: pinkwhitebrown | orangyred | ArmandoJavierDesign | randyandclaudia | AutumnLeavesJewelry | blinkphoto | ElefantsDonkees
Obama Shaped Chocolate
Inaugural Art Inspiration, From Accessories to Cute Edibles
Trend Themes
1. Handmade Political Merchandise - The demand for unique and personalized political merchandise presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for small businesses within the handmade or artisanal goods industry.
2. Political Figures as Edible Art - The popularity of edible political memorabilia as seen with Obama-shaped chocolate presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for confectionery companies to explore the creation of similarly-themed edible art.
3. Political Merchandise as Art Collectibles - The creation of Obama-themed paintings and plushies presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for artists to branch into the political merchandise industry and create art collectibles.
Industry Implications
1. Handmade Goods Industry - The increase in demand for personalized and unique political merchandise presents an opportunity for small handmade goods businesses to expand their offerings and profits.
2. Confectionery Industry - The rise in popularity of edible political memorabilia presents an opportunity for confectionery companies to diversify their product lines and explore creating customized edible art.
3. Art Collectibles Industry - The creation of political-themed paintings, plushies, and other memorabilia presents an opportunity for artists to enter the political merchandise market and offer unique and collectible pieces.