Vendors fill D.C. streets with goods

WASHINGTON -- Thousands will evaluate Tuesday's inauguration of President Barack Obama not only by its historical significance but also by the sales of buttons, T-shirts and bobbleheads.

"Tis the season to sell Obama," said Yakimiyah Binyamin, an actor and student at the Borough of Manhattan Community College in New York.

Hawkers of Obama-related gifts and items numbered in the hundreds leading up to today. But closer to 2,000 — many, such as Binyamin, without proper credentials — are expected on Washington's streets, sidewalks and parks, greeting the more than 2 million people expected to descend on the district.

Binyamin, who planned to spend his inaugural holiday selling Obama calendars ($10 each), hopes the emotional draw of a new administration will help his church group sell out its inaugural stockpile. The 2,000 copies of the monthly planner weren't selling on Friday, but Binyamin remained optimistic. "It's almost like the Christmas sprit, but for a new president."

The Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs issued 700 vending licenses and promised space for 1,000 more spots in high-traffic areas outside designated zones. When the DCRA held a lottery last month to determine who would be licensed to sell, between 3,000 and 5,000 applications were received.

Vendors such as Binyamin, who plans on returning to New York after his holiday break ends on Wednesday, are seeking high rewards, but they face risk.

He said he needed to sell his inventory this week. He declined to share how much of an investment he had made.

Some vendors set up shop in permanent locations such as at the Obama Gift Center, steps from the White House. Others work kiosks in busy Metro stations or local malls.

Street vendors are pushing the typical inaugural buttons and T-shirts. But at the Obama Gift Center, specialty items such as Obama hot sauce ($12.95) and Obama energy packets ($6.95) are blowing street side competitors out of the water — a bottle of which, by the way, featuring Obama's picture, is $11.95.