Strategy May 11, 2020
Appetite for Andrew Cuomo Merch Grows
Demand is coming from the New York governor’s native state and around the country.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has risen to national prominence amid the coronavirus pandemic.
And now, there’s a raft of unofficial “Cuomo” merch popping up on e-commerce sites that include Etsy, Redbubble, Teespring and Amazon.
Terms like “Cuomosexual” and “Shhh I’m Watching Cuomo!” are appearing on everything from mugs to T-shirts. There are Cuomo prayer candles, face masks, socks and a growing number of T-shirts, hooded sweatshirts and hats that advocate “Cuomo For President.”
Callie Myers, a calligrapher and event designer in Macon, GA, told Bustle that she’s been selling 50 to 100 mugs a week that contain the phrase “Shhh I’m Watching Cuomo!”
Sales are coming from New York and other states that include California, Kentucky, Washington, Pennsylvania and Florida. That suggests the governor of the state hit hardest by the coronavirus has a nationwide appeal that’s driving the appetite for merch.
“He isn’t just leading New York,” Myers told Bustle. “His strength and empathy have resonated in a time when people are looking for someone they can trust.”
Meanwhile, in late April, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame & Museum began taking pre-sale orders for Andrew Cuomo bobbleheads, which the organization expected to ship in July. The museum said $5 from every sale of the $25 bobblehead will go to the Protect the Heroes Fund in support of the 100 Million Mask Challenge.
The Cuomo bobblehead looks to build on the success of the museum’s Dr. Anthony Fauci bobbleheads, which also raised money for the 100 Million Mask Challenge.