A shop dedicated to selling Donald Trump merchandise near Philadelphia is set to close its doors for good, with its owner stating the venture has "kind of run its course." The Trump Store in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, announced its impending closure on Facebook, marking an end to its six-year operation.
The End of a Political Retail Era
Owner Mike Domanico confirmed to the Associated Press that the store's final day of trading will be 31 January 2026. He explained his decision by pointing to a slowdown in business, his focus on another enterprise selling firearm targets, and his semi-retired status. "The store has kind of run its course," Domanico said. "You know, 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."
Interestingly, despite the owner's acknowledgment that the former president will not be a candidate again, the shop still stocked items bearing the slogan "Trump 2028." Domanico dismissed this as mere trolling, telling the AP, "That's just to get people riled up." The store's closing-down sale was pointedly set to begin on 6 January – the fifth anniversary of the Capitol riot.
Reactions and Political Context
The announcement prompted mixed reactions on social media, from sarcastic comments about "winning" to remarks on the economy. Domanico said he was unfazed by the criticism. Longtime Trump supporter Dave Russel, 81, told the AP he was unsurprised by the closure, noting that with Trump in his final term, the promotional drive had naturally diminished.
The store's location held symbolic significance, situated in Bucks County, Pennsylvania – a fiercely contested swing area. Donald Trump narrowly won this county in the 2024 election against then-Vice President Kamala Harris. The shop, which opened in 2020, was one of the few entities carrying Trump's name that he did not own personally.
What Comes Next?
With the closure, a specific chapter in political retail closes. The store's Facebook page had previously been used to call for boycotts of critics like Bruce Springsteen and to share visits from former Trump aides. Its end reflects the evolving landscape of political merchandising post-election. Owner Mike Domanico will now turn his attention fully to his other business interests, leaving behind a six-year legacy of hats, shirts, and memorabilia dedicated to the 45th president.
