Obama’s pink sweater is red-hot.
Shoppers on Wednesday flocked to the Midtown Gap store where President Obama bought a pink cardigan for his daughter Tuesday — prompting sales to nearly double.
The East 42nd Street store was flooded with calls about the price and cut of the White House-worthy garment and two other tops Obama took home for Michelle and the kids, employees said.
“There has been a much higher interest in them. We’ve had lots of calls about those items, actually,” senior store manager Humberto Anaya, 33, said. “A lot of people rushed in and asked what he bought.”
Obama, who was in town for two fund-raisers, popped into the store to support the effort to hike the country’s minimum wage. Gap Inc. had announced last month it would boost its employees’ salaries accordingly.
He picked out two $44.95 Chinese-made “rose bush” and “pink cameo” Luxlight Cardigans for Malia and Sasha, and a $64.95 Seamless Track Jacket for Michelle.
While the sweater spree prompted an “uptick” in sales at the shop, it also brought criticism about buying clothing made in China and Vietnam, where many factory workers earn next to nothing.
“Oh, the irony of Obama shopping at GAP to thank them for raising their minimum wage, while purchasing items made in China,” tweeted @politeracy.
Conservative blogger Michelle Malkin jabbed, “What are minimum wages in China and Vietnam? Just curious.”
Shoppers hunting for bright spring outfits at the store on Wednesday didn’t seem to care about the controversy and were just thrilled to share the first family’s fashion sense.
“I bought the rose-colored cardigan and the jacket that Michelle got. We have similar taste!” said Mark Campion, 54, who purchased the tops for his wife, Stephanie.