FOLEY — President Donald Trump fans unite in Foley at the corner of Alabama Highway 59 and Baldwin County Road 12. The Trump mobile merch store has a constant flow of consumers buying the latest Trump-Vance shirts, hats, keychains and trinkets.
The store was an idea Nicole Rye never dreamed would become a reality. The self-proclaimed "proud Georgia girl" told 1819 News she is loving business in Lower Alabama.
"We have been extremely blessed," said Rye. "God just really opened up the door and allowed us to secure one local location here in Foley."
"The outpouring has just been unbelievable," she said. "Definitely Trump Country."
"Definitely real American, hard-working people that are just really concerned for our nation and our country, and they are definitely Trump supporters in this area," said Rye.
However, not everyone is happy with the display. Rye said there had been driving by, screaming and cursing.
"Every now and then you'll get somebody that just wants to go down the road, roll down their windows, scream, 'F Trump' or, 'Y'all are traitors,' or whatever they want to do," she explained. "But we've invited them to come talk. Let's talk facts. Let's talk debate. Let's discuss this and we have not had one individual that is willing to come and speak with us."
Another challenge, Rye says, is finding base products made in America due to delayed shipping and higher costs. She said sometimes they have to use foreign-made products, but they do what they can to avoid that and employ people locally.
"I wish I could tell you everything in my store was American-made, and it's not," she said. "But I will tell you I take great pride in my American-made items, and a lot of my items are all American-made."
"Some items are made by veterans," she said. "We have one whole warehouse that we use that only veterans are employed."
The trailers are in town until after the general election, but Rye said they have other trailers to take to other events and rallies for Trump.
"We traveled with President Trump during the red wave," Rye said. "During 2022, we did 22 states with him. I couldn't even tell you how many rallies we did with him in 2020."
As the wife of a veteran and the mom of a police officer, Rye said the red, white and blue are at her core. But in 2016, she couldn't find the Trump gear she wanted to wear. So, she began to create her own gear and eventually took matters into her own hands.
"I create a lot of our stuff," Rye told 1819 News. "I do a lot of designs, and I am very blessed with an army of suppliers that are just unbelievable designers."
"We just started out very slowly," she continued. "We just believed in it. We believe in this fight for our country."
A portion of each item sold goes to the Trump campaign, but the mobile store has another purpose. Rye said she hopes to inspire others to seek the truth.
"My thing is, I encourage people to not believe everything they see just because they see it on social media," Rye explained. "I don't like everything Donald Trump has ever done. I'm not dumb."
"But as a Christian, my morals are in line with him," she added. "He is the best candidate for me and my family."
Rye said she is planning a celebration in Foley to celebrate veterans and first responders following the election. Information on the event will be posted to her business's Facebook page.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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