I visited a Trump superstore full of Trump toilet brushes and 'Bye-Bye Biden' countdown clocks see inside
Jenny Powers
Jenny Powers
- I visited a Donald Trump Superstore called Keep on Trumpin' in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
- Co-owner Richard Kligman said business has been booming since he opened the shop in March 2022.
When I was in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, I spotted a billboard advertising a Donald Trump Superstore. My curiosity got the best of me, and I decided to stop in and pay a visit.
Jenny Powers
I turned into the parking lot and was greeted by a series of colorful pro-Trump flags and an air dancer in the former president's likeness, wildly waving its arms at oncoming traffic.
Jenny Powers
Bookended between Klig's Kites and a restaurant called "Goodfellas Seafood Hut" sits the brick-and-mortar Trump store Keep on Trumpin'.
Jenny Powers
The jam-packed storefront features an animatronic mannequin of Trump waving a “Let’s Go Brandon” flag at passersby.
Jenny Powers
As I snapped a photo of the mannequin, one customer walked by, chanting: "Let's Go, Brandon."
Jenny Powers
In order to access the store, you have to go through the main entrance of Klig’s Kites, a retail shop selling kites, banners, and flags.
Jenny Powers
Once inside, I notice Klig's and Keep on Trumpin' are under the same roof.
Jenny Powers
However, the space is separated into two distinct parts, with the latter taking up approximately 2,000 square feet of retail space.
Jenny Powers
Kligman said the first location of their kite shop opened in 1982 in Myrtle Beach.
Jenny Powers
Today, they have two locations — one at Broadway on the Beach in Myrtle Beach and the newest one that opened seven years ago in North Myrtle Beach near Barefoot Landing.
Jenny Powers
Klig's sold merchandise representing both political parties, but the Trump items always outsold the rest.
Jenny Powers
Based on customer demand, Klig's eventually created an entire aisle dedicated to Trump merchandise.
Jenny Powers
Then, in March 2022, when one of their retail tenants vacated and they were unable to find a suitable tenant as a replacement, Kligman approached his brother with a wild idea.
Jenny Powers
Why not open a Trump store?
Jenny Powers
Kligman told Insider that he's not trying to make a political statement with his store.
Jenny Powers
He said, at the end of the day, he's a businessman and that there are some things about Trump he likes and some things he doesn't.
Jenny Powers
One thing he definitely likes is the increased foot traffic his business has seen since opening.
Jenny Powers
Today, the store sells more than 10,000 items.
Jenny Powers
The inventory ranges from officially licensed merchandise and vendor products to their own manufactured line of goods.
Jenny Powers
The merchandise is priced between $1.99 and $69.
Jenny Powers
When customers try to talk politics, Kligman says he just smiles and rings up their purchase at the register.
Jenny Powers
The Kligmans produce many of the T-shirts they sell, such as …
Jenny Powers
… this Top Gun shirt …
Jenny Powers
… this Keep on Trumping' T-shirt …
Jenny Powers
… this Terminator-themed "I'll be back" tee …
Jenny Powers
… and this remake of American Gothic.
Jenny Powers
There are also shirts that take a not-so-subtle stab at the Democratic Party, such as this "stolen property" one …
Jenny Powers
… and this "Donkeypox" T-shirt …
Jenny Powers
… and a "Bye-Bye, Biden" countdown clock.
Jenny Powers
The shop also sells a staggering number of novelty products, like this Trump teddy bear.
Jenny Powers
There was also a vast assortment of bobbleheads …
Jenny Powers
… including this shirtless boxing Trump one.
Jenny Powers
They also have unusual souvenirs such as rubber duckies and troll dolls featuring Trump's signature coif.
Jenny Powers
Customers can also snap up talking items such as a pen that, with the push of a button, promises to belt out some of Trump's popular sayings in his own voice …
Jenny Powers
… or this full-body figure with the American flag that when activated says a series of 17 patriotic comments including "From this day forward, it's only going to be America first."
Jenny Powers
I was surprised to see that they even offer a Trump toilet brush.
Jenny Powers
According to a saleswoman I spoke to, one of the biggest hits so far has been the Donald Trump Garden Gnome, which she says people often buy as gifts.
Jenny Powers
For those interested in their future, customers can feed $1 into the Trump Fortune Telling Machine on the premises.
Jenny Powers
Inside the machine is an animatronic version of the nation's 45th President of the United States that doles out a printed fortune with his likeness on it.
Jenny Powers
Kligman said sales-wise, he and his brother could easily turn their whole business into a Trump store. Based on the enthusiastic shoppers I encountered during my visit, I believe it.
Jenny Powers
As a registered Democrat, I was the only one who seemed to walk out of the store empty-handed; however my curiosity as to what a Trump Superstore might be like was certainly filled.
Jenny Powers
And while Richard Kligman himself probably wouldn't say much about a Trump 2024 run, his products certainly will.
Jenny Powers
Popular Right Now
Popular Keywords
Advertisement