- Title: USA: Sarah Palin costumes all the rage for Halloween
- Date: 23rd October 2008
- Summary: MAN LOOKING AT OBAMA MASK
- Embargoed: 7th November 2008 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Usa
- Country: USA
- Topics: Domestic Politics,Light / Amusing / Unusual / Quirky
- Reuters ID: LVA2866LEK067MA7FW7S67LQGP3G
- Story Text: Costume stores are reporting huge demand for US Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin outfits for Halloween.
It's just over a week to Halloween, and costume stores are struggling to keep up with the demand for Sarah Palin outfits. Customers are clamouring for the wigs, costumes and props necessary to evoke the Republican vice presidential candidate's signature look: brunette tresses, clear glasses and trim blazers.
Political costumes have proved hugely popular this year, as American voters prepare to head to the polls on November 4. While rubber masks featuring Republican John McCain and Democrats Senator Barack Obama have been selling extremely well, there's been enormous demand for Sarah Palin costumes.
Available styles include a Sarah Palin wig and glasses, as well as a 'Hot Hunter' and 'Miss Alaska' outfit. Ricky's NYC costume store manager Jason Sandlofer said customers couldn't get enough of the Alaskan Governor, and that he's had to place new orders every week.
"It's been phenomenal, we're selling out like crazy. It's been one of our best selling costumes to date," said Sandlofer.
The store has also created a 'Joe the Plumber' costume, named after the Ohio man that had become a political football between the two campaigns.
"We have a jumpsuit, a blue jumpsuit, it comes with a plunger and it comes with a little name badge which says Joe the Plumber," Sandlofer told Reuters.
Shopping for her Halloween outfit, customer Dianne Avery said Palin was an easy target.
"I think she has a particular look and it's easy to copy. She also has some opinions that a lot of people don't agree with," Avery said.
When it came to sales of Barack Obama and John McCain masks, costume stores reported more interest in the Democrats presidential candidate.
Customer John Augsperger said he had no plans to dress up as a politician.
"Not this year. But if I were, I'd be dressed up as Barack,"
Augsperger said.
So, are political mask sales an indicator of how Americans will vote?
"Obama to McCain right now, Obama is outselling McCain. But Sarah Palin's taken the cake," said Sandlofer.
The method may be far from scientific, but at least it's a bit of fun. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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