Convention Capitalism: Trump Swag on Sale in Cleveland

Meet the vendors and entrepreneurs making the most of the convention.

By Josh Eidelson | July 21, 2016

Photographs by Jonno Rattman

From

For some, the Republican National Convention is an audition for higher office, a venue for cultivating influence, or a four-day reunion. For others, it’s an unparalleled business opportunity. “Shirts cost $1.77 blank, then the printer only charges $1.60,” says Kevin McCray, a 42-year-old from Columbus, Ohio, who’s hawking Trump gear outside the entrance to the Quicken Loans Arena. “I sell that shirt for 20 bucks.”

McCray quit his job at a quality assurance company to become a full-time swag seller in June, after he made $2,500 in two days selling Bernie Sanders paraphernalia at California rallies. He estimates he’s making about $1,200 for each 14-hour day of work in Cleveland. His customers include an Arizonan who bought three buttons (two “Trump For President” and one “Bomb the Hell out of ISIS”) and a Kansan planning to deck her grandkids out in Trump T-shirts. McCray, who’s undecided between the candidates, says: “I’m about money coming to me, vs. me going to get the money.”

Bloomberg Businessweek sent photographer Jonno Rattman through the streets around the convention center to see how entrepreneurs are making the most of the four-day political gathering. Here’s some of what he’s seen.

Rocky Granato came to Cleveland from California, where he’s spent months selling merchandise at Clinton and Sanders events.

A vendor sells a California delegate a T-shirt.

“Eleanor the Elephant” necklaces sold by the conservative group Future Female Leaders.

Vinny Tirpak sells Cleveland- and GOP-themed sandblasted glassware.

Timmy Woods of Beverly Hills, Calif., works her handbag booth at Progressive Field, temporarily dubbed the Freedom Marketplace.

Steve Presser, owner of Big Fun toy store in Cleveland Heights, minds the shop he set up for the convention in the 5th Street Arcade, not far from the convention center.

A Trump mask at Presser’s stand in the 5th Street Arcade.

Presser adorned a Hillary cutout with feather boas. “I’ve always been a nontraditionalist,” he says.

Flags for sale in Cleveland’s Public Square.

Light-up displays announcing “RNC” and “Made in Cleveland” towed by car along Euclid Avene.

Merchandise for sale near the entrance to the convention hall.

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