Trump Store Owner Hopes for Business Boost Following Guilty Verdict
In North Tonawanda, the recent guilty verdict in the hush money trial involving former President Donald Trump has sparked a unique business opportunity for some. Tommy Matusak, the owner of a mobile Trump Store, believes the verdict might actually work in favor of his business endeavors.
The day following the announcement of Trump’s conviction on 34 charges related to a scheme intended to influence the 2016 election illicitly, Matusak reported that sales at his Trump-themed outlet have remained robust. “Things have been picking up,” Matusak noted, indicating an increase in business. His mobile store, offering a range of Trump merchandise including flags, MAGA hats, and T-shirts, has seen a varied demand, with certain days being busier than others.
Matusak, a staunch Trump supporter and Republican from Tonawanda, ventured into selling Trump merchandise in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic had shaken his regular business of selling items at fairs, prompting him to adapt by embracing the political fervor surrounding Donald Trump.
Originally set up near Gratwick Park in North Tonawanda, Matusak’s mobile store had to relocate following a dispute with city officials over commercial advertising regulations. However, he quickly found a new spot just up the road, on private land owned by a fellow Trump supporter, where he continues to operate.
Despite facing challenges such as a slower economy, which Matusak attributes to the current administration led by Democrat Joe Biden, he maintains that enthusiasm for Trump remains high. “I get a lot of positive feedback from the community,” he says, acknowledging that occasional criticism doesn’t deter him.
Regarding the trial and its outcome, Matusak perceives it as a political maneuver aimed at undermining Trump’s bid for reelection. “I don’t think he was guilty,” he asserts, suggesting that the trial’s timing and motivation were more about providing a campaign narrative for Biden than about justice.
When the verdict was delivered, showing Trump guilty of conspiring to undermine the 2016 presidential election’s integrity, it marked a significant moment. Yet, Matusak sees this not as a setback but as a potential catalyst for business. “I think it will help,” he posits, believing that the verdict has only served to galvanize Trump’s base further. According to him, the community’s reaction has been one of increased determination to support Trump, viewing the verdict with dismay but also as an impetus to demonstrate their backing more fervently.
As the sentencing date approaches, with possibilities ranging from probation to prison time, Matusak plans to continue serving the Western New York supporters of Trump. He remains confident that the recent verdict will not dampen spirits but will instead bolster the resolve and visibility of Trump’s support base in the area.
In such politically charged times, Matusak’s Trump Store stands as a testament to the unwavering support for the former president, regardless of the legal challenges he faces. For Matusak and many others, it is more than just business—it’s about loyalty and the expression of political allegiance through commerce.
