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.
-
Broadway star Scarlett Johansson is selling her L.A. pad for $2 million less than she paid. More -
Former Merrill Lynch CEO John Thain is being asked to work his magic on small business lender CIT. More -
Lenders are collecting from owners like Vanessa Corey even after a short sale or foreclosure. More -
The $10 electronic hamsters were last year's monster hit. Meet the encore. More -
Former Fed chief has been the "designated goat" for Wall Street. No more. More -
A sculpture recently sold for a record price. See the 5 most expensive works of art. More
