What's New
Luigi Mangione's recent court appearance has triggered an unexpected surge in merchandise sales, with items ranging from his sweater to his backpack gaining massive online attention. Retailers and independent creators are scrambling to meet the demand, as viral buzz turns everyday products into highly sought-after collectibles.
The Context
Mangione, a 26-year-old accused of shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, faces charges of gun possession and forgery. His arrest has inspired a wave of online merchandise, including keychains, mugs, and clothing, some featuring the chilling words etched on the bullets linked to the crime.
Luigi Mangione's Sweater Sells Out at Nordstrom
Retailers are experiencing a boom in sales of Mangione-related merchandise. A burgundy Merino crewneck sweater worn by Mangione during his court appearance sold out at Nordstrom within a day, leading the retailer to announce plans to restock.
The $120 sweater gained viral fame after courtroom photos of Mangione circulated online. "It's not every day you see a legal proceeding spark a fashion craze," quipped one Reddit user, while others nicknamed the item the "Mangione Merino." Social media buzz has been a major driver behind the unexpected demand.
Luigi Mangione's Peak Design Backpack
Interest in Mangione's accessories has also skyrocketed, particularly his Peak Design Everyday Backpack V1. Since news of the shooting broke, searches for the discontinued model have surged, drawing attention to the cult-like fascination surrounding the case.
In response to rumors that Peak Design employees assisted law enforcement in tracking Mangione through the bag's serial number, the company issued a statement. "We have not provided customer information to the police and would only do so under a subpoena," CEO Peter Dering told The Verge. He clarified that the V1 backpacks lack serial numbers, a feature introduced only in V2 models.
Despite these reassurances, some social media users accused the company of "snitching" after Dering admitted to sharing details about the bag with law enforcement. The backlash highlights growing public sensitivity to privacy concerns and corporate involvement in legal matters.
Etsy Sellers Report High Sales on Luigi Mangione Merch
Independent creators on Etsy are also benefiting from the Mangione craze. Shops offering T-shirts, mugs, and other custom merchandise inspired by his court appearance have reported a significant boost in sales.
However, the surge in demand has brought challenges. Some Etsy sellers have received takedown notices, which they suspect are part of corporate efforts to protect Mangione's image. This has led to backlash, with critics accusing larger companies of unfairly targeting small businesses. "We're just responding to demand like everyone else," one seller told Newsweek, requesting anonymity for her shop.
What People Are Saying
@NLCONSNL, an Internet user, on X: "It is a horror story for the relatives of the CEO. May God be with them."
@Warzoid, an Internet user, on Bluesky: "Support for Luigi Mangione isn't about looks or crime. It's about decades of economic injustice & a trolley problem politicians refuse to address".
What's Next
Mangione is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, facing both state and federal charges, including murder and terrorism-related offenses. His next court appearance is on January 18, 2025, in federal court in New York, where he faces charges that could result in the death penalty. On February 21, 2025, he will appear in Manhattan state court, where he has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder charges as an act of terrorism.
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