Tried-and-true items boost candidate images

While some have speculated about the decline and possible death of the bumper sticker, with election year, that time doesn’t seem to be coming soon. During the year, sales of such products have increased by as much as 30 percent, according to the Promotional Products Association International, the not-for-profit trade association for the promotional products industry.

Although sales of buttons, bumper stickers and similar items topped more than $571 million in 2003, sales have taken a definite spike this summer.

According to a recent PPAI survey of companies who make such political products, most companies are reporting an increase in sales of 15 percent to 20 percent, with at least one company reporting a 30 percent rise. The spike began in late May and is expected to run through November, according to a PPAI news release.

Based on the results of the survey, bumper stickers are still the hottest product for campaigns around the country. There appears to be little party distinction when it comes to putting a message on the bumper of a voter’s car. Candidates are using them extensively and they are just as popular in local and state elections as in national campaigns.

Other findings from the survey:

• As expected, preferred colors are red, white and blue.

• Stars and stripes are consistent accents. The elephant or donkey logos are prominent as well.

• Many of the candidates or campaigns like to include political slogans, catchy phrases and even slams of their opponents on the item.

• Most modern politicians obviously can’t campaign without yard signs. One of the largest companies in the industry reported such a large increase in sales of its double-sided political signs that it was difficult to keep up with the orders. (For election impact on Springfield-area businesses, see “Campaign trails lead to cash,” in the Aug. 16 issue of Springfield Business Journal.)

• Campaign buttons are still extremely popular. One manufacturer that specializes in buttons reported an increase in sales of 20 percent during this election year.

• As in past years, wearable items, such as caps, T-shirts, ties and jackets are standard political season products.

“Most people are very passionate about these kinds of products,” said Carol Aastad, chair of the PPAI board of directors, in the release. “They wear them, put them in their yard or on their car to show their allegiance. It’s one way to be part of this important process, while getting across a personal message about their favorite candidate or cause. Politicians use them because they really work and have for years.”

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