Obama mines the Gap

President Obama took some time out from his day to do a little shopping in New York City on Tuesday — and some time out from shopping to plug the proposed minimum wage hike.

The president dropped into a Gap store in Manhattan to pick up a few items for his family ahead of a pair of Democratic fundraisers later Tuesday night. The president chose a gray and white striped sweater and a bright coral sweater for Sasha and Malia, and a navy blue workout jacket for first lady Michelle Obama.

{mosads}”I think the ladies will be impressed by my style sense,” Obama said.

The White House said the president chose to visit Gap “to show his support” for the company’s recent decision to increase wages for its U.S.-based employees.

The president has called on lawmakers to raise the federal minimum wage from $7.25 per hour to $10.10 per hour, and cited companies including Gap and Costco as businesses that can remain profitable while paying their employees well.

“It’s not only good for them and their families, it’s also good for the entire economy,” Obama told reporters at the store. “I want to congratulate the Gap for doing the right thing.”

At a rally in Connecticut earlier this month, the president said Gap’s move to guarantee a $10 hourly wage would boost pay for 65,000 workers.

Gap might also see a boost from the president’s shopping choices — especially if the first daughters are spotted wearing the Gap merchandise.

Late last year, Sasha Obama made fashion waves when she wore a black unicorn sweater to a basketball game at the University of Maryland with her parents. ASOS, the British clothing company that carried the sweater, sold out within hours.