Maga wear prices on rise as Myrtle Beach’s biggest Trump retailers hit by China tariffs
President Donald Trump’s new tariffs will bring increased prices to stores across the Myrtle Beach area — even for his biggest retail supporters.
From the Keep on Trumpin’ Store to Mexican grocery stores, businesses along the Grand Strand are dealing with price hikes, which has been spurred by the president’s trade war with China, Canada and Mexico.
Most of the items sold in these Myrtle Beach shops are made in China.
After taking office, Trump began an international trade war, implementing on Feb. 4 a 10% tariff on all products coming from China, the Associated Press reported. Then on March 4, China’s tariff increased to 20% while the United States added a 25% tax to many Mexican and Canadian imports.
Manufacturers told the Keep on Trumpin’ Store that the cost of goods will increase this year as a result of the taxes, said manager Lauren Kligman. The store, which is part of Klig’s Kites, sells conservative- and Trump-themed merchandise like T-shirts, mugs and stickers.
In preparation for higher costs, the Trump shop put in a larger order than normal to keep prices low for as long as possible, Kligman said. The Keep on Trumpin’ Store always sends in a substantial merchandise order before the tourist season, however, this year the business ordered about 25% more product.
“It helps out a lot, knowing we’ll be prepared in case something happens,” Kligman said.
The Dixie Shop owner Viktor Ilus said he expects prices for his goods to increase, although it has not happened yet. The store near Surfside Beach sells beachy knickknacks and clothing, along with Confederate flag and Dixie-themed items.
For the two conservative-leaning stores, the majority of their products are made in China, said Ilus and Rick Kligman.
Ilus hopes the tariff’s will encourage more manufacturing in the United States. While he doesn’t want to see prices increase, he said, “We love Trump, whatever he does we go for it.”
The Keep On Trumpin’ Store’s larger-than-normal order will keep prices lower until that merchandise runs out. Once that happens, Klig’s Kites and Keep on Trumpin’ will have to buy items at the higher rates and raise prices.
“It stinks for our customers, but we have to do it,” Lauren Kligman said.
When asked how she feels about the tariffs’ impact, Lauren Kligman said she felt neutral. She’s not concerned about prices increasing as tourists are willing to spend more when on vacation.
“You’re not in the middle of nowhere buying gifts, you’re at the beach,” Kligman said
Other stores with international products, like Mexican grocery stores, have also felt the effect of the trade war. Arnulfo Martinez, the owner of El Mercadito Chiapaneco, said he’s had to increase prices and order less products for his Conway store.
For the grocery store, meats and produce have seen the largest price increase, Martinez said. Customers have complained to Martinez about costs and he’s noticed a drop in sales, which has worried him.
Trump’s policies have also caused a sense of uncertainty for Canadian travelers, with some canceling their trips to the Grand Strand, The Sun News reported.
Beach store prices will stay near the same until next year, said Zack Shamah, the manager of Mega Wave Surf and Resort Wear, 5700 S. Kings Highway. The shop pre-ordered its merchandise in 2024, so the prices are locked in for the 2025 spring and summer season.
If prices do increase, Shamah said it will impact products with metal, like beach chairs, not cotton T-shirts or hats. Mega Wave’s cotton products are created in countries not directly involved in the trade war.
This story was originally published March 19, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
