Vernon Trump-Themed Merchandise Store Set To Close

VERNON, CT — A store dedicated to merchandise associated with President Donald Trump is closing.

The announcement was made over the weekend.

"We love and thank you all," began the message followed by the details that Jan. 19 will be the last day.

A "fan appreciation rally" is scheduled for Jan. 17 from high noon to 3 p.m. with food and other refreshments provided, along with free flags.

The store is now offering a half-off sale on "most items" until it closes.

The New England for Trump merchandise store opened in the summer of 2024 at 154 Talcottville Road and it was not devoid of controversy. In October 2024, protesters damaged the outside of the building with anti-Trump Graffiti.

On a Sunday, at 2 p.m., two people barged into the establishment and began spraying "some sort of chemical" around the place before sprinting out, proprietor Ken Krajewski said. The two then came back and, during the overnight hours, the spray painted graffiti on the exterior. Several references to "fascists," including one that was misspelled, were noticeable on the storefront the following day. A reference to "Nazis" was on one wall and a depiction of a male organ was spray painted under Trump's name.

No one was hurt, Krajewski said.

"We've had almost 10,000 people in here since we opened in August, so I don't see a little graffiti stopping us," he said at the time.