Shoppers pick Obama: Clinton 'vote tote' suffers price chop
Sales of Freddy & Ma's Hillary Clinton-themed vote tote started strong, but Barack Obama's the one with the momentum.
(FORTUNE Small Business) -- Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama will duke it out in the Pennsylvania primary on Tuesday - and if sales of Amy and Anthony Pigliacampo's eco-friendly "vote totes" are any indicator, Obama is in the lead.
In October, the Pigliacampos - siblings and founders of custom-bag brand Freddy & Ma - released a series of canvas bags emblazoned with "Obama," "Hillary," "Democrat," "Republican," or "Independent," offering them for sale online and at Urban Outfitters (URBN). Hillary was the early favorite. But shortly after the new year, the Pigliacampos had to mark down her tote from $25 to $10.
"Almost 90% of the Hillary totes ordered were sold before Christmas," says Anthony, 28. "Then sales plummeted. It was the opposite with Obama. Initially sales were slow, but they gained momentum."
Urban Outfitters has since cut the price of the "Independent" and "Republican" bags - the retailer's only remaining online stock - to $4.99. It seems the store's shoppers, like the Pigliacampos, lean to the left.
"We respect people who support the Republican Party, and that's why we created the Republican tote, but we reserve the right to show our Democratic preferences," Anthony says. "The main point was to encourage everyone to vote - no matter who they support." 
The Business of Obama
Economy on the minds of Pa. voters: On primary day, residents are worried about an economic downturn even though Keystone state is faring better than the nation.
-
These 5 cities have the fastest-growing foreclosure rates. And they're not the usual suspects. More -
Now you can get the $8,000 credit through June 2010 -- or $6,500 if you're not a first-time buyer. More -
Home prices are forecast to plummet, but these 7 cities are predicted to post gains. More -
Home prices have grown in the beer-guzzling heartland and fell in the wine-sipping coastal states. More -
Investors think Detroit's foreclosed houses are a deal. Would you buy this one for $6,900? More -
Economic growth, affordable wages -- these spots have what entrepreneurs need to thrive. More
