Businesses are capitalizing on the upcoming eclipse event, which is just 11 days away. Businesses located in Central New York, within the path of totality, view the eclipse as an opportunity to boost sales. In addition to purchasing glasses for viewing the total eclipse, consumers are being enticed to buy various eclipse-themed merchandise related to this rare celestial occurrence. Wegmans and Tops Supermarkets are offering items such as shirts, plates, and baked goods, while Johnson Studio & Camera is selling solar glasses, binoculars, telescopes, and filters. As the eclipse draws nearer, the demand for eclipse-related products is increasing, according to Lydia Johnson. Online searches for Syracuse Eclipse Apparel reveal a variety of clothing options commemorating the event.

Local resident Kevin Harrison sees the eclipse as a positive contributor to the economy and a unique promotional opportunity for Central New York. However, some consumers like Tony Rowe perceive these merchandise offerings as opportunistic cash grabs by businesses. For instance, Sonic Drive-In is launching a limited-time Blackout Slush Float to celebrate the eclipse. Concerns have been raised by Johnson regarding overspending on supplies dedicated to a single day event and uncertainties concerning potential interest and weather conditions.

Eclipse merchandise availability extends beyond local businesses, with a notable national brand like Sun Chips introducing exclusive eclipse-themed chips online for a brief window of four minutes and 27 seconds on April 8. This limited-time offering forces consumers to choose between purchasing a once-in-a-lifetime bag of chips or experiencing a total solar eclipse.