Somerset and Providence “New England for Trump” stores to permanently close their doors

After Donald Trump was elected the 45th president of the U.S. in 2016, his popularity surged enough that some people saw an opportunity: marketing his personality, issues he was a proponent of, and his campaign slogan “Make America Great Again.” People couldn’t snatch up the pins, bumper stickers, coffee mugs, flags, pro-police and anti-Biden clothing, and novelty items.

In July 2020, Pawtcuket native Keith Lambert who had been making a living selling merchandise and toys at outdoor fairs and festivals met the demand with a pro-Trump storefront entitled “New England for Trump” in a plaza on Route 6 and Brayton Point Road.

Instantly, his shop generated profits as people far and wide flocked there to not only purchase merchandise but discuss politics. Eventually, he was operating 20 retail stores all over New England and even a few in New York.

People were happy, even ecstatic…well, except those on the opposite side of the political aisle. The shop became a target for graffiti “artists.”

The timing of the opening of the store a few months before the presidential election seemed to be hinged on the hope or conviction that President Trump would win re-election, giving a massive boost to pro-Trump novelties and anyone who sold them.

As we know, that turned out to be an assumption.

Just 2 months after the grand opening of the Somerset location, 5 days after the election itself, pro- and anti-Trump protesters clashed on both sides of the street of the store. Fortunately, there was only a bunch of shouting and yelling and no violence.

Fast forward to the anniversary of the opening of the store, Lambert has made the decision to close his Providence and Somerset stores due to the waning popularity of pro-Trump and anti-Biden merchandise combined with an inability to hire staff to work – a common gripe of many business owners in a workforce populated with tens of thousands who prefer to collect an unemployment check instead. However, if you want some pro-Trump or anti-Biden items you can still visit the Easton, Bellingham, and Warwick locations which will remain open for the foreseeable future.

All merchandise at the Somerset is being heavily discounted through today, Sunday, Aug. 1st.

New England For Trump
899 Grand Army of the Republic Hwy,
Somerset, MA 02726
Phone: (508) 567-4008

Website: nefortrump.com/
Facebook: facebook.com/NEforTrump/

The store closure means steep discounts like the one in Peabody. New England For Trump Facebook photo.