North Myrtle Beach Merchants Cash In on Trump Fever
NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — As the countdown to Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20 continues, many supporters are gearing up with a shopping spree at the local “Keep on Trumpin’ Store.” With excitement in the air, shoppers are picking up everything from hats to socks, all decked out in their favorite presidential motifs. Co-owner Richard Kligman has seen business surge like never before.
“Trump Overload” Is the New Trend
“I haven’t had a real day off in four months, so I don’t know what to expect. I just at this point I’m thinking, for at least the next six months, it’s just going to be more of this,” said Kligman, showcasing the hustle and bustle of his store. It seems the love for Trump is only escalating!
Among the eager shoppers is Trump supporter John Dudley, who reflected on his experience saying, “I came in here and saw all this Trump stuff and said, ‘Oh my goodness, it’s like Trump overload!”
Dudley, who had returned for a second trip on a busy Wednesday, felt compelled to grab a hat for his son. For him, this merchandise is more than just souvenirs — it’s a way to express his loyalty. “It’s something I can look at, have on my wall in my garage and say, ‘Hey I was a Trump fan, you know, I was always a Trumper,” he added.
The Store’s Busy Bee Vibes
While this particular day was buzzing with customer activity, Kligman confessed he had seen even busier times. “This is not as busy as when he came to Coastal Carolina. That was absolute bedlam,” he recalled. From the excitement of rallies to the more serious moments like Trump’s indictment and assassination attempt, passionate supporters have been flocking to the store to show their unwavering allegiance.
Exciting Giveaways Keeping Customers Coming
In a show of gratitude for his loyal patrons, Kligman is raffling off a stunning $400 concrete Trump statue. But there’s a twist — the raffle is only open to locals. However, that hasn’t deterred out-of-state visitors, like Chrissy Hale and her husband Greg, who are determined to win it. “We put in for it. We’ll drive back 6 hours to pick it up!” they laughed, clearly smitten by the variety this store has to offer.
Planning to attend the inauguration, they wanted to ensure they had some fresh merchandise on hand. “We are hoping to get there this year in January. And now we got the stuff to take with us,” said Greg with a grin on his face. It’s moments like these that make the shopping experience so special; the store is more than retail — it’s a community hub for fans united over shared beliefs.
Trump Merchandise: An Open Market
As an added benefit to shoppers, Trump items fall under public domain, allowing the store the flexibility to create nearly anything the market desires. Kligman even mentioned he can customize items, ensuring customers have that unique flair they’re after. Talk about personal service!
Interestingly, Kligman also owns another local favorite, “Kligs Kites,” which opened in 1982. The demand for Trump gear surged starting in 2016, leading to the creation of the “Keep on Trumpin’ Store.” It’s safe to say that as long as Trump remains a hot topic, Richard Kligman and his store will be at the forefront of the gathering grounds for excited supporters on the Carolina coast.
For those seeking unique Trump-themed memorabilia, the store is a vibrant destination, capturing the spirit of the community while celebrating their president-elect. North Myrtle Beach is indeed buzzing, and the energy is contagious!