'Bop Obama' Toys, 'Nobama' Tees and More Red Items For Sale Around RNC

Looking for a “Bop Obama” inflatable toy? What about one of those “Nobama” T-shirts?

“The Americana Emporium” opened late last week in order to get a jump on selling political memorabilia while the Republican National Convention meets in downtown Tampa.

“We focused primarily on the Republican aspect,” said employee Sean Lowe, who stood behind the counter of the Franklin Street store wearing a sequin blue derby-style hat Wednesday.

The store opened Friday and will stay open for about another three weeks Lowe said. They also are selling merchandise in a tent in the red zone across the street from the Tampa Bay Times Forum.

While restaurants downtown are not seeing the influx of patrons they expected as part of the Republican National Convention, Lowe said business was slow but steady.

There are some shirts supportive of the Democratic Party and President Obama, however, most of the items are red.

Lowe said the company, Encore Select, typically creates and sells sports memorabilia but figured on cashing in during the convention.

Designers came up with “Got Mitt?,” "Mitt is Legit" and other tees. Bop Obama toys were going for $25 and T-shirts for $15.

See Also:

Republican National Convention in Tampa