Chuck Sword displays the three sizes of boxes for Cleveland in a Box.BEREA, Ohio -- For 25 years, Chuck Sword has operated DHS Diecast Collectibles -- miniatures of cars and construction vehicles with clients in industry.His son, Nick, had founded Cleveland in a Box in 2014 to market Cleveland souvenirs. Sword bought the business in 2022 and ran with it.His business literally puts reminders and products of our hometown into boxes of various sizes to send as gifts -- anywhere in the world.
Clients can fill a box on their own or Sword can help them select items for take-home gifts for larger events, like the GOP National Convention in Cleveland. He’s done weddings, college events and the Women’s Final Four, to name just a few. One of his largest orders was 4,600 boxes for the Cleveland Playhouse. Another 1,500 boxes were sent to Tri-C.Sword has shelves filled with 160 items to choose from -- and the selection keeps growing.
Cleveland Ketchup in three flavors, Day of the Dead Hot Sauce, Bertman Ballpark Mustard, Pope’s Bloody Mary Mix, Cleveland Coffee, Kernels by Christie popcorn, Winking Lizard Tavern BBQ Sauce, Root Candles, Buckeyes candy, Humphrey popcorn balls, Lakewood Pasta Co., Cleveland candy. There are also dog toys, doggie kerchiefs, magnets, cards, tea, nuts, bath soap, coasters, tote bags, baby bibs, pens, pins, T-shirts, honey and items from the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame, Guardians, Browns and Cavaliers.All of these items are produced by Cleveland-area companies.Boxes start at $25. Clients can insert cards and messages in the boxes. The company delivers locally.He was at Christmas Connection at the I-X Center and attends trade shows in the off-season.