You may be wondering why flag sales and Confederate Heritage -UltimateFlags are on the increase. While you may not be aware of it, political and economic factors play a role in the growth of flag sales. Regardless of the reasons, flag displays are a way to celebrate the freedom of the United States, honor military members, and take pride in our country. There are many reasons for this trend, and this article will discuss the main factors. Let’s dive in!
American-made Flags
Sales of American-made flags are on the rise, and this growth is not limited to holidays like the Fourth of July and Flag Day. Manufacturers of flags are increasingly seeing an increase in sales in recent years, and this trend may continue for years to come. A recent Rasmussen poll found that 85 percent of American adults are proud of their nation. And according to the Flag Manufacturers Association of America, sales have increased five to six percent in the past five years.
During the 2008 election cycle, the demand for American-made flags increased significantly. One of the reasons is the presidential election. President Donald Trump’s ‘America First’ platform has sparked a fervent debate in the country. Meanwhile, American-made flags are gaining popularity among flag stores. And it’s not just the flags that are gaining popularity: Americans are using them to represent their country.
When the Sept. 11 attacks hit, flag sales spiked. Flagmakers like Eder saw a boost in sales. The company, which makes flags and banners in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, ceased manufacturing the Confederate flag after a wave of public reaction. But this spike in sales isn’t a coincidence. Many flag manufacturers and retailers saw a significant increase in sales following the attacks.
One company, Annin Flag Manufacturing, has made the switch to manufacturing only American-made flags. Its two plants in Virginia and Ohio have increased production. Its Oak Creek factory has added shifts to accommodate the increased demand since the gulf war. The company says it is making 100 times more 3-foot-by-5-foot flags every week. The new standards are important to protect the national symbol and American jobs.
Importing American flags is an issue that has drawn criticism across the political spectrum. Among these critics, Jane Chastain has criticized the symbolism of the American flag, claiming it institutionalizes slavery. Similarly, The New Yorker mocked China on its cover on the Fourth of July. And yet, despite these concerns, American-made flags are also on the rise in flag stores.
Increase in Demand for Ukrainian Flags
The increase in demand for Ukrainian flags has hit stores across the United States, with many people now buying them to show their support for the embattled country. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, orders for Ukrainian flag fabric have soared, and manufacturers are struggling to keep up with the growing demand. At Glaser Mills, a fabric processing company in New Jersey, orders for the Ukrainian flag are doubling every month.
American flag makers are cutting and sewing blue and yellow fabric at a rapid pace to meet the demand for the new Ukrainian flag. The National Flag Company in Cincinnati, Ohio, based in Kentucky, president Artie Schaller III, says that since the war began, his company has sold about 450 Ukrainian flags. Last year, the company sold seven Ukrainian flags. But he says demand for the flag is now so high that the company has to restock inventory and cut more fabric quickly.
When Russia invaded Ukraine, orders for Ukrainian flags skyrocketed. Sales jumped by 50 percent, according to the Flag Store of Connecticut, a locally owned company that sells Ukrainian flags. The company continues to take orders for these products and is awaiting more yellow nylon fabric to fulfill larger orders. As of this writing, prices for Ukrainian flags range from $15 to $52, depending on the size. They are available in four sizes.
One store is already experiencing a shortage of small Ukraine flags, with a waiting list of over a month. A new shipment should be in stock next week. The larger flags, however, can be ordered right away. The store’s website has an inventory of bigger flags, but there is a waiting list for smaller sizes. This is good news for consumers who are looking to buy Ukrainian flags on a budget.
Made in USA
Loopholes in laws governing “M made in the U.S.A” claims are still common, as manufacturers continue to struggle to make products that are truly “Made in the U.S.A.” The FTC has also recently issued a longstanding policy that encourages producers to use “Made in the U.S.A.” labels on their products. Whether these changes will have any impact on “Made in the U.S.A.” claims is a matter of legal interpretation.
Impact of 2016 Presidential Campaign
Flag sales generally increase during the first half of the year, when people outfit their houses with a fresh flag. But the impact of the 2016 presidential campaign is less certain. New construction, which requires flags, has also contributed to the recent increase. Sadly, a recent Gallup poll shows that American patriotism has fallen, and the percentage of people who say they are “extremely proud of their country” has declined.
This year’s presidential campaign has increased patriotism and politics in American communities. Flag sellers in Milwaukee report a 15 percent increase in flag sales, compared to normal election years. However, this is not an unprecedented boost. The campaign may have had a positive impact on flag sales, but that doesn’t mean the presidential candidates are winning. As a result, flag sales could go up even higher this year.