Papal Visit 2008: Bronx Store Cashes In On Papal Visit
A life-size cutout of Pope Benedict XVI is causing quite a stir on East 187th Street, just days ahead of the real pope’s visit to the city.
The owners of the Mount Carmel Catholic books and gifts store started putting the cut-out outside their store about a month ago, to generate excitement about the pope’s visit and draw customers to purchase pope memorabilia.
“We knew we couldn’t get the pope himself, so we got the second best thing, and it’s been a big hit,” said store owner Richard Janniello.
Neighborhood residents, many of whom will not get to see the pope himself, said they really enjoy the cutout.
“No difference, at least we see him,” said one local resident.
“I think it’s a good idea and it is an honor that he comes to our neighborhood,” said another.
“That’s him right here, can’t be nobody else, and I’m right next to him,” said a third.
The bookstore is selling a wide variety of pope merchandise, including baseball caps, coffee mugs, even something called pope-pourri.
The store’s owners say the items are flying off the shelves, because people want a piece of the Holy Father’s visit.
“Everyone wants to get involved in it, wants to be part of it, and wants to be part of the family, so to speak,” said co-owner Neil Fusco.
Father Terry Messer of the Franciscan Friars for the Renewal says it all comes down to spreading the word about the pope’s arrival.
“Everybody wears t-shirts that say I’ve been everywhere, but if they want to wear a t-shirt that says Pope Benedict XVI then that’s great, you know,” said Messer.
He said the more fanfare surrounding the historic visit this week the better.
SOURCE: NY1 Read more..
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