At least two high-profile Trump-themed merchandise stores have announced closures this year, with owners citing declining sales, reduced customer traffic and the end of the election cycle as key reasons. While supporters continue to buy Trump-branded products online and at some remaining stores, several owners have said the surge in enthusiasm that fueled sales during the 2024 campaign has faded. The latest closure involves a large Trump merchandise store near Knoxville, Tennessee, located along Interstate 40.
The store became a roadside attraction thanks to large Trump signs, banners and a brick outhouse display labeled "Democrat Superstore." But owner William "Bill" Hays has acknowledged that dwindling business is forcing the shop to shut down. "The girl that reported that did not know what she was talking about," Hays told Slate while disputing reports that he was closing because of retirement or a move to Florida. "I'm not retiring, not moving down." "I don't think she wanted to say we were closing for lack of business, but that's why we're closing," he added.
An employee identified as Dan offered a similar assessment. "We're not busy anymore," he told the outlet, adding that the store had seen major sales spikes after events such as the July 2024 assassination attempt on Trump, but that customer traffic had since declined. Dan suggested that economic pressures and waning enthusiasm were affecting sales.
Earlier this year, another well-known Trump merchandise outlet in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, announced it would close after six years in business. The shop had become a gathering place for Trump supporters in politically competitive Bucks County and attracted national attention during the 2024 election. Owner Mike Domanico told Newsweek in January that while the store had done well, sales had slowed since the 2024 presidential election.
"When I first opened the store back in 2020, it was supposed to be just a temporary store for the election, but it caught on so good that I kept it open," he said. "It's been six years, and we've done really well with the store. It's sort of a landmark in the area." "The store has kind of run its course," Domanico told the at the time.
"It's been six years and the elections are over. Trump's not gonna be in another election, even though he'll be part of it." Dave Russell, a customer and longtime Trump supporter, told AP he was not surprised by the closure of Domanico's store. "Most of the stuff they sell was to promote Trump," Russell said.
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