Bernie Sanders mittens meme boosting business in northern Michigan
A picture of Bernie Sanders wearing mittens at President Joe Biden’s inauguration has gone viral. Since then, it has brought a lot of new customers to a business in northern Michigan. (WPBN)
LEELANAU COUNTY, Mich. (WPBN/WGTU) -- A picture of Bernie Sanders wearing mittens at President Joe Biden’s inauguration has gone viral.
Since then, it has brought a lot of new customers to a business in northern Michigan.
Baabaazuzu in Lake Leelanau has been hand-making mittens out of recycled, wool sweaters since 1993.
Owner Sue Burns said January is typically a slow time of year because it’s right after the holidays, but this year they are seeing more than triple the sales.
“We are having this ‘Bernie moment’ I guess you could call it, so we are seeing quite an influx of online sales; it feels very holidayesque,” said Burns. “We’re happy, it’s exciting!”
Burns said online orders are coming from across the country, especially from the east coast, Chicago, and Michigan.
While many customers have asked for so-called “Bernie-inspired mittens” Burns said there's an interest in all colors and styles.
“We are selling floral, stripes, bright, and denim colors, as well as the very neutral Bernie gloves,” Burns said.
After a tough year being impacted by COVID-19, burns said the spike in sales this month is a nice surprise.
“We are selling slippers, we are selling fingerless gloves, hats, headbands – and it’s all available on baabaazuzu.com.”
