Strategy March 26, 2019
Trump Store Unveils ‘Cherry Blossom Collection’
The merchandise promotes Trump’s Washington, D.C. hotel during spring time.
Trump Store, the official retail website of the Trump Organization, has released a new product line to celebrate the return of Washington, D.C.’s famous cherry blossoms in the spring.
Titled “Cherry Blossom Collection,” the line features nearly a dozen new products, all emblazoned with “Trump Washington, D.C.” and images of the flowers. Inspired by the Trump International Hotel in the nation’s capital, the collection includes T-shirts, glasses, a mug, tumbler and more.
Introducing the #TrumpStore Cherry Blossom collection, just in time for the #FirstDayOfSpring 🌸. Experience this enchanting time of year with us by bringing a piece of the season into your home with our exclusive cherry blossom collection. https://t.co/rKjVlnJlNO pic.twitter.com/yDJiO0Jp0p
— Trump Store (@TrumpStore) March 20, 2019
Of course, President Donald Trump is no stranger to promotional products. During the 2016 presidential campaign, he spent far more than other candidates – including Hillary Clinton – on promotional merchandise. By the end of August 2016, Trump spent $11.5 million total on campaign merchandise. Prior to that, he had already broken the record for promotional products spending by a presidential candidate, set in 2012 by Barack Obama’s campaign at $6.7 million.
With his ubiquitous red “Make America Great Again” hat, Trump understands the power of branding. Back in 2005, roughly a decade before the former host of The Apprentice entered politics, he shared his marketing tips during the keynote address at ASI Show Philadelphia. “I’m a believer in the public relations route,” Trump said, adding that the biggest mistake marketers make is choosing the wrong product. “You can do all the research you want, but if your product isn’t widely accepted when it first hits the market, then get out. People throw too much money into trying to make bad products successful.”